(Elyria) – Invacare is laying off 143 workers at its Taylor Street wheelchair manufacturing plant in Elyria due to an expected decline in production.

In a statement issued by the company, Invacare says the decline in production is due to a consent decree with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in which Invacare’s production facilities do not meet FDA requirements. Production is being reduced until the facilities are in compliance with the FDA.

Invacare currently employs 365 hourly manufacturing associates at its Taylor Street plant in Elyria. 222 of those employees will remain in their current jobs or be reassigned to other jobs while the remaining 143 will be laid off. Those employees will be given 60 days severance pay and benefits.

Invacare president and CEO Gerry Blouch says “While we regret having to take this step, we recognize the need to align our workforce with our production volume. We value and respect the hard work that our associates demonstrate on a day-to-day basis and we will provide assistance to those affected to help them with the transition.”

Invacare will continue to employ 1,050 in northeast Ohio and 6.050 worldwide.

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