By Mike Boyer
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ANDERSON TONWSHIP - Senco Products Inc., maker of air-powered nailers, staplers and fasteners, is closing one of its two plants here and eliminating about 83 jobs next year.

The privately held company, which employs about 1,000, said it was consolidating its administrative offices and manufacturing in its plant at 8450 Broadwell Road, and closing its sister plant on the other side of the road at 8485 Broadwell. Both plants have about 500,000 square feet.

Tom Hoft, Senco's lawyer, said the consolidation, which should be completed by September, was triggered by increased competitive pressure to source tools and fasteners overseas, mainly China.

"We've faced intense competitive pressure for about 10 years," he said.

"Senco has waited as long as it could. We tried to keep as many manufacturing jobs here for as long as we could."

But in the face of price-cutting by competitors, Senco has also begun sourcing products in Asia, creating excess capacity here.

"The challenges we face as a global competitor are certainly not unique to Senco, but we are addressing them aggressively to ensure the company's long-term performance and stability," president Rick Gerwe said in a statement.

The company notified state officials the job cuts will be between Feb. 4 and September when the consolidation is complete. The affected employees who were notified late last month would receive pay for years of service and medical benefits, Hoft said.

He said the company would continue to make nail guns and fasteners at its remaining Broadwell Road plant.

The plant to be vacated on the south side of Broadwell will be offered for sale, he said.

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E-mail mboyer@enquirer.com