Burlington Technologies Inc. closed its Alumetco division in Brantford yesterday and applied for bankruptcy court protection from creditors.
The shutdown affects about 85 employees who were locked out Nov. 10 by the Oakville-based company over a contract dispute, according to the Canadian Auto Workers.
Officials for the union, which represents the employees, questioned why the company would lock them out when it was on the verge of collapse.
"Well-established businesses like Burlington Technologies do not go bankrupt overnight," said Steve Farkas, the union's area director.
"What this company has done is despicable and defies reason."
The plant produced high-pressure aluminum <link _top>die castings for the automotive industry, which is struggling because of tight credit markets and a sharp decline in vehicle sales in the United States.
