The Pilkington glass plant in Lathrop, California, will cease production early next year, affecting about 115 workers.

Nippon Sheet Glass (NSG) has referenced the plant's near-term need for furnace repairs, as well as new pollution-control equipment to meet clean air standards, as the reason for the closure.

The Lathrop site is one of four Pilkington sites in the US.

NSG announced in early 2008 that it planned to invest US$100 million to repair and upgrade the Lathrop facility; however since the recession these plans have become unfeasible.

Separately, the company agreed last month to pay more than $200,000 to resolve hazardous-waste violations at the Lathrop plant.

While the Lathrop plant is due to end production before the end of February, it will continue to ship glass through August, the company said.

NSG will consider whether to lease or sell the property, which includes the plant of about 1 million square feet on a 185-acre site.