ELG Utica Alloys (Hartford) Inc., a company based at 239 West Service Road that recycles high-performance metals and alloys for the aerospace industry, has informed the state and the city that it plans to lay off 51 employees at the end of the year.
In a notice filed Friday under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act and sent to state and city officials, the company said it plans to discontinue its solids processing operations effective Dec. 31.
“As a result of this business decision, approximately 41 bargaining unit employees and approximately 10 non-bargaining unit employees will be separated from their employment,” the company states in the notice, which was signed by Maureen Grogan, human resources manager.
The WARN Act notice was filed the same day that ELG announced that it was investing in “a new Center of Excellence in the United States, focused on innovation, automation, operational excellence and future-ready capabilities.”
The announcement didn’t disclose the location of the new center of excellence, but it did say the investment is part of a strategic realignment to “support long-term growth and strengthen its market position.”
As part of the changes, the company said that a first strategic step is the planned closure of its titanium solids operations in Hartford.
It also stated that business interruption would be avoided by increasing volumes at its main facility in Duisburg, Germany, and at other “certified ELG Utica Alloys locations and partners.”
ELG said its new center of excellence is expected to be operational by Jan. 1, 2027.
“This strategic move is part of ELG Utica Alloy’s ongoing efforts to future-proof its operations, enhance global customer service and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly dynamic market landscape,” the company said.
While the WARN Act notice includes a list of the 14 positions filled by the 51 employees affected by the layoffs, it also states that under a collective bargaining agreement, the 41 unionized employees will be able to use a “bumping and bidding process” to potentially remain with the company.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, bumping rights refers to a seniority system in which workers with greater seniority who face losing their jobs can replace workers with less seniority.
According to its website, ELG Utica Alloys is based in Duisburg, Germany, and has facilities in nine other countries, including in Hartford; Herkimer, New York; and South Gate, California. It processes, sources and supplies high-performance alloys and metals for aerospace customers worldwide.