NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- A New Bedford factory will be shut down by July 31, putting about 350 employees out of work, its owner said Friday.
Alliant Techsystems, known as ATK, said in a news release that it is consolidating the operations of its Eagle Industries subsidiary. As a result, Eagle's New Bedford plant will be closed.
Eagle Industries makes tactical systems and equipment for the U.S. military and law enforcement. The Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system -- a backpack for soldiers -- is produced in New Bedford.
ATK said the New Bedford factory is operating "well below capacity." The company said it would offer New Bedford workers employment assistance, including resume writing and interview workshops.
Section: Business News
My Town Common: New Bedford News, Views, Information
Eagle Industries bought the New Bedford factory in November 2007 from Michael Bianco Inc. The factory was the target of an immigration raid while under Bianco ownership.
ATK purchased Eagle Industries earlier this year.
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., accused ATK of purchasing a competitor just to shut it down.
"I'm outraged by this egregious example of absolute corporate savagery," Frank said.
But ATK said the closure is an issue of viability, not competition, and that it didn't produce the backpack before it purchased Eagle.
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