Simonton Windows has announced that effective November 17, 2005, it will cease the operations of its Bradenton, Fla., facility. The company says it will relocate certain equipment to its new facility in Lyons, Ga. According to the announcement, this will affect about 200 Simonton management and production employees.

"We spent a great deal of time evaluating the situation," said Jody Garrett, vice president of manufacturing. "Unfortunately, our long-term business needs are not a good fit with the Bradenton location. The zoning restrictions in place at the current Bradenton site, in addition to the lack of room for expansion, makes it impossible for us to maintain and grow our operations at this facility."

Garrett continued, "Unfortunately, this decision has a serious impact on both the Bradenton community and the lives of many people. We're working to support and assist our Bradenton employees to find new jobs."

Simonton says it will be working with a number of organizations to provide job outplacement services for employees. The company will also provide a severance package to employees staying in their current positions until the closing date. They will also be paid for any unused vacation time on their day of departure. Medical and dental coverage will remain in effect until November 30, and arrangements are being made for employees regarding rolling over their 401(k) retirement plans.

Employees will have the opportunity to apply for openings at Simonton's manufacturing facilities in Georgia, West Virginia, Illinois, Oklahoma and California.