Released on August 19, 2008

Superior Industries International Inc., Van Nuys, Calif., will close its Pittsburg, Kan., aluminum automotive wheel metalcasting facility by Dec. 19, 2008.

According to a press release issued by the company, the closure, which will result in approximately 600 layoffs, is in response to reduced demand for SUVs and light trucks. The review also has led the company to cancel 90 open positions and lay off an additional 65 employees companywide.

Superior expects to incur costs related to the Pittsburg closure of approximately $1.8 million over the next six months. Together, the two actions will result in a reduction of 755 positions, or 29% of Superior’s U.S. work force.

“Superior’s goal is to prosper, not just survive, as we work through one of the most challenging periods in the history of our industry,” said Steven Borick, the company’s chairman, CEO and president. “We believe the move towards more fuel efficient vehicles is a permanent shift, not merely a temporary phenomenon. The change in the light truck/passenger car mix requires adjustments to Superior’s manufacturing architecture.”

Superior supplies both cast and forged aluminum wheels to Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Audi, BMW, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.