Auto supplier American Axle to close Detroit plant

DETROIT — American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. says it will close its Detroit manufacturing complex as early as February.

Thursday's announcement follows six months of negotiations with the United Auto Workers to keep the facility open.

The Detroit News reports that effort failed largely because there's no new work for the plant.

About 300 hourly and salaried employees work there, though company spokesman Chris Son declined to say to the Detroit Free Press whether they would remain with the company.

American Axle makes front and rear axles as well as steering linkages for full-size trucks, which have seen a drop in sales in recent years.

Veteran pipefitter Greg Price wasn't surprised by the announcement, saying his fellow workers "kind of knew" it was coming.