Philips Lighting has announced the closure of its manufacturing plant in Bath, New York.
The closure and 280 layoffs are expected at the end of next year.
In a statement, company spokesperson Silvie Casanova said the Steuben County plant manufactures a type of light bulb that is unable to compete with more popular LED bulbs.
Here's Casanova's full statement on the closure:
As a result of the long-term evolution taking place within the lighting industry, and the move toward more controllable, digital lighting technologies, Philips will be phasing out production at its Bath, NY facility. The Bath plant manufactures High Intensity Discharge (HID) products and halogen components. Reductions in workforce are always a difficult decision, and Philips is committed to managing all matters related to the 280 member workforce affected in a respectful and professional manner. The company has worked to ensure timely notification of employees in compliance with all local and federal laws. In addition, Philips will work with local and state officials to assist these employees with placement and/or retraining programs.
The announcement comes in the same year as Sikorsky Aircraft released plans to close its assembly plant and layoff 573 workers in nearby Elmira.
