Vinita manufacturing facility heading to Texas

VINITA, Okla. -- More than 100 people will lose their jobs when a Vinita manufacturing plant moves its operations to Texas.

Cinch Connectors, which has operated in Vinita for 40 years, announced Wednesday its facility will close by the end of 2012.  Cinch manufactures connectors and interconnect products for the computer, telecom, aerospace, military and transportation industries.

"Like other manufacturers, Cinch is under intense and unrelenting pressure to reduce costs and enhance our distribution capabilities to compete effectively in today's tough global economy," said Pete Bittner, general manager.

Bittner said Cinch is moving its Vinita operation to a new plant in McAllen, Texas, which is just across the Mexican border from Reynosa where the company already has a factory.

"Having our facilities closer together will lower our transportation and logistics costs as well as reduce lead times for our customers," said Bittner.  "Unfortunately, while we are very sensitive to the impact of this plant closing on our dedicated associates, we can no longer be cost effective in the Vinita operation."

The company employs 120 full-time workers.