Area Development
Insteel, a maker of structural reinforcing steel, is consolidating operations at its Wilmington, Delaware, plant and moving production to Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Delaware's News Journal reports. The company move welded wire production to Hazleton, eliminating 49 jobs in Wilmington.

"We believe the actions that we are taking to consolidate our Northeast manufacturing operations will enhance our competitive position by realigning our capacity and reducing operating costs in what continues to be a challenging market environment," said H.O. Woltz III, Insteel president and CEO. "Our decision was made only after thoroughly reviewing other alternatives, and we regret having to take these actions considering the contributions our Wilmington employees have made over the years."

The company will add 15 jobs in Hazleton, resulting in a net company employee loss of 34 positions.

The move comes after Insteel announced the consolidation of manufacturing in Houston, Texas to Dayton, Ohio, last month.