Canadian auto industry loses 250 more jobs

OAKVILLE, Ontario, July 1 (UPI) -- High gas prices were blamed for the closing of Canada's Polywheels automotive plastic molding company west of Toronto and the elimination of 250 jobs.

Workers got the news of an "extended plant shutdown" in a memo when they reported for the 7 a.m. Monday shift in Oakville, the Toronto Sun reported.

Polywheels made parts for General Motors Sierra and Silverado models made at Oshawa, east of Toronto but GM announced that plant will close next year and more than 2,000 workers will be laid off.

Dave Pike, director of human resources at the company, told the Sun the molding equipment was being sent to another manufacturer.

James McKenzie, president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 1256 told the newspaper Polywheels had filed for bankruptcy protection but the union was working with the company.