The Timken Co. announced plans to close its Clinton, SC, plant and phase down production over the next two years. According to the comany’s press release, the decision is part of an ongoing program to increase the competitiveness of its automotive group by reducing fixed costs and creating more focused factories across its automotive product profile. Products from the Clinton plant will be integrated into other Timken facilities. The company expects to continue manufacturing the vast majority of the products in the U.S. "The decision to close this plant resulted from a lengthy study of our automotive business that identified the need to exit certain product lines and reduce fixed costs across our manufacturing network," said Jacqui Dedo, president of the company’s automotive group. Consistent with Timken’s manufacturing strategy of creating more focused factories, Clinton’s multiple product lines will be integrated into other plants. Many of the Clinton plant employees will be offered job opportunities at other Timken manufacturing plant. Open since 1961, the Clinton plant produces components and bearings for automotive powertrain and chassis applications. The plant also manufactures bearings for industrial applications such as transmissions and outboard engines.