The decision by Labinal Power Systems to close its Salisbury facility came as a shock to Maryland’s senior senator who had just pushed for federal funding aimed at supporting 400 jobs at the site.
Senator Barbara Mikulksi had just pushed for a measure in the 2015 federal spending that would have provided $994 million for development of 32 Chinook helicopters.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that the company was one of 450 firms that was to supply parts for the aircraft.
The company said it was closing the plant to be more competitive in the aerospace industry.
It’s expected that around 650 employees will be affected by the plant’s closure.