Two Bosch plants will close by 2006, move to Mexico

SUMTER, S.C. - About 820 employees will lose their jobs as the Robert Bosch Corp. closes two Sumter plants and moves its operations to Mexico.

On Thursday, the company began shutting down the 420-worker vacuum booster facility. The company in January began closing the drum brake facility, which employs 400 workers. Both operations will close by 2006.

Company spokesperson Becky McDonald said in a statement that the company continues to face increasing price pressures on its brake systems line. The facility in Sumter is losing money and costs will be reduced in Mexico, McDonald said.

The Robert Bosch Corp. also has automotive manufacturing facilities in Anderson and Charleston. Officials say those operations will remain open.

Bosch has been one of the largest employers in Sumter for 22 years.