Itron to close in 2024

Itron announced to staff on Monday its intention to close its up-to-450-employee Waseca factory at the end of 2024 and relocate its operations to West Union, South Carolina. 

Itron has been operating in Waseca since the 1990s and is one of the largest employers in Waseca County. The company manufactures equipment used in water, gas and electric meter readings, among other things.

“The transition is part of Itron’s plan to improve our global supply chain and increase efficiency in our business operations,” said a release from the corporation. “The company is finalizing the transition plan for tech transfers and relocation of production from Waseca to Oconee [West Union, SC], resulting in the closure of the Waseca plant toward the end of 2024.”

“This was a difficult decision," said Tom Deitrich, Itron’s president & CEO. "Our Waseca employees have played an integral role in bringing Itron’s products and solutions to the market. We are taking these steps to strengthen our company and enhance competitiveness by establishing a single North American manufacturing center of excellence in South Carolina."

Itron states it is committed to supporting affected employees during the transition. The company will provide career placement services, extended insurance coverage and a severance package based on years of service to U.S. benefit-eligible employees affected by this move.