Muller Martini Will Close Newport News (VA) Operations by January 2012

After nearly four decades in Newport News, Muller Martini Manufacturing Corp. is calling it quits. The manufacturer of book binding machinery and other equipment used by publishing companies said Friday that it will close its two Oyster Point production plants by the end of January 2012, resulting in about 160 job losses. The job cuts will come in three phases beginning in July.

Muller attributed the closure to a sharp decline in business that began during the recession and never fully recovered.

"Unfortunately, the worldwide demand for print finishing equipment has not rebounded," the company said