Columbia Steel Casting Decided to Shut Down Portland Foundry Operations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Portland-based Columbia Steel Casting Co. announced plans to shut down operations at its North Portland foundry. It informed the state regulator that the company will closer all of its facilities in Portland, thereby having to lay off most of its workforce.

The metal casting company noted that around 225 employees, mostly members of two prominent unions, would be laid off starting October this year. The closure-related employment separations are expected to begin during the last week of the month. The closure would be permanent, it noted.

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In a letter addressing the employees, Marth B. Cox, president and CEO of Columbia Steel noted that it is with deep sadness that the company is announcing the plan to close Columbia Steel by the end of this year. The decision follows efforts by the company to secure a new owner or financing for Columbia Steel not coming to fruiton. The company will continue to seek additional financing and to have discussions with various companies about purchasing its facilities and maintaining operations, she added.

Founded in 1901, Columbia Steel Casting Co. had been a manufacturer of a variety of steel and iron parts for basic industry, including wear parts for metal and waste shredders.