MLB Hatmaker to Close Plant

The NY-based business says the industry trend has been away from companies owning and operating their own manufacturing facilities.

Rawlings Ap
AP file

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — New Era Cap Co. is planning to close the western New York plant where caps for Major League Baseball are made.

A statement from the Buffalo-based headwear maker Tuesday says the industry trend has been away from companies owning and operating their own manufacturing facilities.

New Era says the Derby plant, near Buffalo, makes about 2 percent of its total product, with the rest coming from a global production network. It says the caps worn by MLB players during games will continue to be made in the United States, with production shifting to its 5th & Ocean facility in Opa Locka, Florida.

The company's headquarters and its 337 employees would remain in Buffalo.

The Derby plant employs 219 people. Union officials couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

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