WARSAW — Winona PVD Coatings has informed the state that it plans to close its operations permanently by the end of the year.

The closing will affect an unknown number of workers.

An employee of Winona PVD reached out to InkFreeNews Tuesday morning with news of the closing, but the company did not return a phone call confirming the decision.

But a copy of a letter from Winona PVD to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development dated Oct. 29 and posted on the state website confirmed the plans. 

In a letter signed by the company’s CEO, Steve Bonnell, the company informed the state that it will close both facilities on Polk Drive by Dec. 31.

“The company expects both facilities will be closing and all employees will be laid off. The closure and layoffs are expected to be permanent,” the letter said.

“Winona pledges its sincerest efforts to provide employees with needed assistance during this difficult time,” the letter said.

Winona PVD produces and ships wheels around the world from the Warsaw headquarters.

The firm was the first company to develop a high volume, completely automated, particle vapor deposition (PVD) process for wheels in 2006, according to information on the company website.

The announcement comes after the company announced expansion plans just three years ago.

The company had announced in 2016 that the firm would invest more than $10 million in high-tech equipment and machinery in order to add a new production line, according to a story by Trade and Industry Development.

Below is a copy of the letter sent to the state.