BREWER (AP) – Officials for a company that makes automotive parts says its plant in Brewer, which employs 127 people, will be phased out by the middle of next year.

Officials from ZF Lemforder Corp. were in Brewer on Monday to deliver the news. Lemforder in a worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis components, with U.S. headquarters in Northville, Mich.

The German company, which operates 119 plants in 25 countries, says other plants in the U.S. also will be consolidated.

A company vice president, Bruce Wrenbeck, says the significant reduction in vehicle production and a continual increase in competition forces some very difficult decisions.

in order to maintain its viability.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-01-20-09 0826EST