130 to lose their jobs when Berks County foundry closes

(Reading) -- The owner of a foundry that has been in Kutztown for 144 years says a decline in demand is behind the decision to close the facility, eliminating 130 jobs.

McConway & Torley LLC will close its plant on May 5th and lay off 130 workers because of a drop in demand, according to Nancy Farrar, a spokeswoman for Trinity Industries Inc. — the Dallas, Texas-based company that owns McConway.

The plant has been in use since 1869 and was purchased by McConway in March 1980.

In 2007, the company laid off 149 workers.