Behlen Manufacturing Co. plans to close its Manatee County steel manufacturing facility by Dec. 18, affecting 55 employees as the Nebraska-based company shifts production to its headquarters in Columbus, Nebraska.

The company cited high production costs in the Southeast and rising expenses for materials and freight, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice filed Oct. 15 with FloridaCommerce. The layoffs are expected to occur Dec. 18, as first reported by the Business Observer.

The facility at 2812 Tallevast Road in Manatee County manufactures pre-engineered metal buildings for commercial and agricultural use through the company's Behlen Building Systems division.

Rising costs drive closure

Behlen Manufacturing CEO Tom Boal said the decision was difficult because of its effect on employees.

"This was a difficult decision, particularly because of the impact it will have on our employees in Sarasota," Boal said in a statement.

"While the decision to close a facility is never easy, we must continue making strategic decisions that strengthen our operations and position Behlen for long-term success," he added.

The company plans to transfer production from the Tallevast Road facility to its operations in Columbus, Nebraska.

Consolidating manufacturing in the Midwest will improve efficiency, allow Behlen to make better use of existing resources and strengthen its competitive position, according to the WARN notice.

Company plans employee assistance

Behlen has committed to providing retention incentives, career counseling and job placement assistance for the 55 affected employees.

The company has not publicly disclosed the value of the incentives or detailed how the assistance programs will operate.

The Tallevast Road facility originally operated as Trident Building Systems, which was founded in 1986. Behlen acquired Trident in 2020 and rebranded the operation under its Behlen Building Systems division in 2024.

Behlen Manufacturing, founded in 1936, operates manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Nebraska; Baker City, Oregon; McGregor, Texas; and Springfield, Ohio.

The planned closure will eliminate the company's Tallevast Road manufacturing operation, which serves the Sarasota-Bradenton region.

The company has not announced plans for another Florida manufacturing location.