New Bedford factory workers hold rally

NEW BEDFORD, Mass.—A group of angry workers held a rally Tuesday, upset that their New Bedford factory will be shut down at the end of July.

On May 29 Alliant Techsystems, known as ATK, announced it was consolidating the operations of its Eagle Industries subsidiary. As a result, Eagle’s New Bedford plant will be closed.

“It’s so sad. I’ve been crying too much. I see the sadness. I see the scared. People don’t know what they’re going to do when the plant is closed,“ said worker Elisa Rios.

Section: Business News
My Town Common: New Bedford News, Views, Information

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 plans to offer New Bedford workers employment assistance, including resume writing and interview workshops.

Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation are upset over the closing and are asking U.S. Army officials whether there are going to be issues with the military contract and moving the work elsewhere.

“They are closing a productive factory that has successfully produced quality equipment for the U.S. military,“ said Zach Lutz of Workers United. “There have been no complaints about quality or delivery. And they’re taking it to a low-wage area to increase their profit margins. We don’t think that’s something that the army should condone.“

ATK said it’s already making the same product in Puerto Rico, but that the New Bedford factory will fulfill its specific contract before it closes.

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.