BSH Home Appliances Corp., manufacturer of dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, warming drawers and microwaves, announced a plan to close one of its production lines that will result in the removal of about 100 workers at its manufacturing plant in New Bern, North Carolina. The California-based company officials said that they need to downsize its workforce in New Bern because the company has decided to shut down the production of its 27-inch front load washers and dryers by the end of the year. The company currently employs over 730 workers.

Marni Hale, company spokeswoman, made assurances that BSH Home Appliances Corp. will continue its operations in the state. “BSH will continue to make dishwashers and stoves at the New Bern plant, meaning most of the 730 workers will not be affected.” Hale added that the company attributed its decision to close its production of its 27-inch front load washers and dryers to the continuous decline in product demand over the past several years. “The company began making the 27-inch washers and dryers in 2002, but demand for the larger machines has shrunk. BSH will continue to push its 24-inch models.”

The state of North Carolina and New Bern officials are now discussing various steps to encourage BSH Home Appliances Corp. to expand its operations in New Bern by bringing other manufacturing lines of the company to the area. BSH Home Appliances Corp., founded in 1906, also manufactures other products such as cooktops, ventilation hoods, electric and gas ranges, refrigeration appliances, and vacuums, as well as kitchen and coffee machines, and purchase accessories. The company has its main headquarters in Huntington Beach, California.