CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Present:
Robert D. Sullivan
Mayor Rolland R. Grant
City Council
Robert Ruffin
Paul Boudreau
Allied Signal Automotive
Meeting is called to order by Mayor Grant at 1:02 p.m.
Robert Ruffin discusses an announcement to be made this afternoon regarding the FRAM plant, which will cease their manufacturing in East Providence around June, and will affect approximately 320 people.
Mr. Miranda is now present.
Motion is made by Councilman Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Miranda, to hold the emergency meeting. Motion passes on a 3-0 vote.
Mr. Ruffin says that the distribution center, which employs approximately 70 people, and the Aftermarket Headquarters, which employs approximately 460 people, will remain.
Mr. Sullivan asks Mr. Ruffin if the reason for closing has to do with taxation or workmen's compensation. Mr. Ruffin responds that neither is the reason, and that the reason is due to excess manufacturing capacity.
Mr. Ruffin goes on to say that the employees will be notified at 3:30 this afternoon and asks the Council not to share the news release with anyone until the employees have been notified.
Mr. Miranda asks if FRAM is going to maintain the building, and Mr. Ruffin responds that the decision has not been made and that a study is being done.
Mr. Lemont is now present. He asks if there is a possibility of expansion of the R & D, and Mr. Ruffin responds that the R & D is moving to Ohio. Mr. Lemont asks if further consolidation will be made, possibly in one or two years, and if the company will pull out all together. Mr. Ruffin says that no plans have been made to that effect.
The meeting is adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, City Clerk