HUDSON FALLS, N.Y. (News release) -- Valmet will proceed with plans for a phased closure of foundry, machine shop and assembly operations at its production center in Hudson Falls, New York. The first phased closure will begin in March 2020 and continue until final customer orders are fulfilled in summer 2020.

Approximately 15 employees will transfer to a new product office in nearby Glens Falls, New York to continue to serve customers in North America for the dryer product line and aftersales. A total of 40 positions will end as a result of the closure.

The decision to close the facility is the result of various market factors including a steady, declining demand for the cast iron dryer products manufactured within the capacity of the Hudson Falls facility.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries.