Suburban manufacturers hit by economy, layoffs planned

Twenty-two companies statewide, including a half-dozen in the suburbs, are planning a total of more than 7,000 layoffs in the next few months, according to filings with the state of Illinois.

About a half-dozen suburban companies are targeting more than 470 jobs, mostly due to the weakened economy and stiffer foreign competition, they said.

Longtime companies, including Orval Kent Food Co. Inc. and SKF Sealing Solutions head the list.

Orval Kent will eliminate 142 jobs at its Wheeling manufacturing facility by Feb. 20. The company, which makes various refrigerated foods for grocers and others, will eliminate manufacturing here in the next few months while expanding in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Delphos, Ohio.

The company has been operating in Wheeling for about 50 years and will continue to use the site for its corporate headquarters and distribution center, said spokeswoman Sylvia Oriatti.

SKF Sealing Solutions in Elgin also plans to close by June and eliminate about 169 jobs starting around Feb. 27. But the offices will continue to house engineers and other workers, said Vice President of human resources Dave Lewandowski.

The plant has operated in Elgin since the 1950s and made gaskets, sealing devices and other products for the ailing auto industry.

Hoffman Estates-based Sears Holding, which includes Kmart, plans to close a Kmart store in Joliet by Feb. 15 and eliminate as many as 85 jobs. The store will be remodeling with a new concept, the only one in Illinois, and reopen with a new brand name, said spokeswoman Kimberly Freely. She declined to elaborate.

The workers could reapply, but no one is guaranteed new jobs. The new store will open around March or April, she said.

General Binding Corp. in Addison, aims to eliminate 75 jobs related to its laminating manufacturing business by Feb. 9, said ACCO Brands spokesman Richard Nelson. Linconshire-based ACCO Brands acquired General Binding in 2005. The workers make lamination film used on book jackets, packaging, signs and other products, which is now being outsourced to companies outside the United States, Nelson said.

About 40 managers, marketing and sales representatives will remain in Addison.

Interlake Material Handlings Inc. in Pontiac plans to close due to the faltering economy. The fabricated metal manufacturer plans to eliminate 262 jobs in Pontiac and another 79 at a Naperville facility starting around Feb. 15. A company spokesman was unavailable for comment.

Sirva Inc. in Westmont, known for its moving vans and services, will reduce its work force by eight starting around Feb. 10, according a human resources representative.