Stanley Works to close three New England plants

Stanley Works has announced it will close three New England plants -- in Pittsfield, Vt.; Clinton, Conn.; and Quonset Point, R.I. -- as part of its efort to eliminate 10 percent of its work force, or 2,000 jobs.

The closing of the Pittsfield plant, which predominantly makes wooden tool handles, will begin in March and will phase out 25 jobs through the end of 2009. The closing of the Clinton and Quonset Point plants, both of which make galvanized wire for nails, will result in the loss of 60 jobs and 12 to 15 jobs, respectively.

Stanley’s Tim Perra says the New Britain, Conn.-based tool maker has seen a global deterioration of its markets due to downturns in the housing, construction and DIY markets. The company, which operates 45 manufacturing facilities worldwide, will also eliminate some management jobs as part of the cutbacks.