General Manager Mike Miller stated, "Closing a plant is a very difficult decision, one that requires long, careful consideration. Citation management understands the impact it will have on the families of our employees, as well as the local community. The people of Interstate Forging - Midwest have a long history of hard work and dedication, but current and projected market conditions make it impossible to financially justify continuing operations."

Citation intends to ensure a smooth transition for all of its customers served by Interstate Forging - Midwest. Accordingly, the plant will continue operating until the work is transferred to Citation's other forging facility in Navasota, Texas, or to other suppliers. The exact date of closure will likely be between September 30 and November 30, 2002.

Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Citation Corporation is a metal components supplier to capital and durable goods industries, including automotive and industrial markets. The company designs, develops, and manufactures cast, forged, and machined components at its seventeen manufacturing divisions in nine states with approximately 5,600 employees.