SHARON The A. Stucki Company has announced that its American Industries plant in Sharon will be closing by the end of 2026.

According to a press release, this closure will affect about 46 employees, but some of those employees may be offered opportunities to work at one of Stucki's 18 other locations in the U.S.

Work will be consolidated at Stucki facilities in Farrell, as well as Jerseyville, Illinois and Moterry, Mexico.

The Sharon plant provides news and reconditioned railcar components and systems like wheelsets, bolsters, side frames, truck assemblies and couplers and yokes.

Stucki CEO Ron Port is quoted in a press release saying that in order to secure the company's future, it must adapt how and where it manufactures.

"The railroad industry is changing, and our customers expect us to be more competitive than ever," Port said.

Sharon City Manager Bob Fiscus released a statement to 21 News saying the city is "deeply concerned" by this announcement.

"Any time we face the loss of jobs in our community, it has a significant impact on our workers, their families and the broader local economy," Fiscus said.

Fiscus went on to say the city will be working with regional and state partners like workforce development agencies to connected impacted workers with retraining programs, job placement resources and other assistance.

"Our community is resilient, and though this news is difficult, we will continue working every day to ensure that Sharon remains a strong and vibrant city for both businesses and families," Fiscus said.