Carlex Glass America, LLC has announced it will permanently shut down its manufacturing facility in Vonore by September, a move that will impact 325 employees as the automotive glass maker shifts its operational focus within Tennessee.

The Vonore plant has served as a full-service glass fabrication hub, producing windshields, sidelites, and backlites for major automakers including Ford, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, and Subaru. According to company leadership, the closure is part of a strategic effort to realign Carlex’s manufacturing footprint and adapt to changing market dynamics and customer demand.

“This decision was a difficult one because of the enormous contribution of so many amazing team members in Vonore, as well as our ties to the broader community that we have called home and supported for so long,” said Carlex CEO Ramzi Hermiz. “But it in no way reflects a decision to reduce Carlex’s commitment to the State of Tennessee.”

While the Vonore plant is slated for closure, Carlex is ramping up its footprint elsewhere in the state. The announcement follows a major investment of over $55 million into the company’s Nashville facility last year, where operations are undergoing significant expansion.

Carlex stated it plans to assist affected workers throughout the transition. Support measures will include:

• Internal Transfers: Reassignment opportunities at other Carlex facilities.

• Career Services: Outplacement assistance, including resume building and interview preparation.

• Extended Benefits: A temporary continuation of select employee benefits following separation.

Further details regarding the specific benefit packages have not yet been disclosed.