In yet another blow to manufacturing in our city, Erie News Now has learned that Zurn Industries plans to close its foundry here in Erie.

A representative of the United Steelworkers Union tells Erie News Now that the union met with the company this morning. He confirms that Zurn leaders expressed interest to start the bargaining process as they plan to close its Erie foundry within the next 9 to 12 months.

The steelworkers union says that roughly 50 jobs will be affected by the planned closure.

The company has been a leading manufacturer locally for the past 115 years. They make water systems for toilets, faucets, and plumbing.

Back in June, Zurn announced that they would move it's headquarters to Milwaukee, sending 60 employees there. At that time, company leaders said it was a way to grow their business.

Tuesday's announcement comes just one week after Lord corporation announced plans to downsize globally and offering voluntary retirement plans to its employees locally, potentially eliminating hundreds of jobs. Lord blamed the plan to downsize its workforce on poor global market conditions.

Calls to Zurn Industry leaders for a comment were not immediately returned.

The company and the United Steelworkers Union must now go through the bargaining process to determine the specifics of the plan to close the foundry over time. Zurn also employs workers in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Representatives from that union were unable to be reached and it is unclear how many of their members will be affected.