Key Martinsville employer to close

Harman-Becker Automotive Systems Inc. plans to shut down its operation in Martinsville in phases this year, and close completely by next January, according to The Reporter Times. The first cuts will begin in April.

The plant, which makes Infinity, JBL, Harman Kardon speakers and speaker systems, employs about 340. Last year, the company cut about 160 workers and some wondered then about the future of the plant. At one time, the company was the largest employer in Martinsville.

Harman-Becker Automotive Systems is the automotive division of Harman International Industries Inc., based in Washington, D.C. In its notice to employees, it said the shutdown was due to a restructuring of the company that included consolidating some of its operations.