ArvinMeritor has announced it will close its Commercial Vehicle Systems assembly plant here by November.

The company said the plant closure is part of its previously-announced restructuring actions in North America and Europe. It is one of about 13 plants expected to be impacted by the restructuring which will also affect 2,800 employees.

Seventeen people work at the St. Thomas plant, where drivelines are assembled. Production will move to ArvinMeritor’s Laurinburg, N.C. plant. Employees were informed of the closure.

“Actions like these are never easy, but are necessary because of the highly competitive nature of the motor vehicle industry,” said Wayne Watson, general manager of operations, North America. “The company must have a global manufacturing footprint that optimizes capacity, reduces costs, and creates the greatest level of customer service.”

Brad Ducharme, site manager at the St. Thomas facility added, “The closure of St. Thomas is in no way a reflection of our fine workforce. Our employees are talented and highly skilled individuals who have worked hard to support our customers.”