TIFFIN, Ohio — American Fine Sinter, a Tiffin-based automotive parts manufacturer owned by Japan’s Fine Sinter Co., Ltd., announced Tuesday it will gradually close its local facility by March 2028, a move that will eliminate approximately 175 jobs.
The company made the announcement publicly via Facebook on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. In its statement, AFS said Fine Sinter had completed a review of North American demand and overall group production capacity, and determined that future production for the North American market will be sourced from other group facilities.
“A transition period of approximately two years has been established,” AFS said in the statement. “While the transition will take place in steps over the next couple of years, the first adjustments are anticipated to begin later this year.”
The company said it does not yet have exact production-stop dates or a finalized plan from its customers. AFS said it will close temporary employment positions first and move existing employees into other roles where possible. The company is offering retention incentives and severance options to employees who remain through their individual closure dates, and said its HR team will work to connect workers with recruiters, job fairs, and other employment resources.
“Our goal is to give at least 3 months’ notice for changes to departments and positions,” the company said. “We are grateful for the decades of support from the Tiffin Community, Seneca County, and above all for our faithful employees.”
Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson confirmed the closure in a separate statement Tuesday morning, saying he was informed about the decision and attended a meeting with AFS leadership. The Seneca Regional Chamber & Development also participated in that meeting.
“AFS has been a valued and stable employer in Tiffin for more than two decades, providing quality jobs and contributing to our local economy,” Wilkinson wrote. “This news is difficult, especially for the employees and families who have dedicated so much to the company.”
In its own statement, the Seneca Regional Chamber & Development said it has already contacted OhioMeansJobs Seneca County and is coordinating with local and state partners. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Rapid Response partners are prepared to assist affected workers with job search support, resume assistance, interview preparation, and retraining opportunities.
“We appreciate the AFS leadership team for bringing us into the conversation early and for the transparency and thoughtfulness they’ve shown throughout this process,” the Chamber said.
The AFS facility is located at 957 N. Maule Rd. in Tiffin. The company manufactures automotive components including internal engine, transmission, and vehicle suspension parts.
Workers affected by the AFS closure can contact OhioMeansJobs Seneca County through the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services at senecadjfs.com or by calling (419) 447-5011.
TIFFIN, Ohio — American Fine Sinter, a Tiffin based automotive parts manufacturer owned by Japan's Fine Sinter Co., Ltd., announced Tuesday it will gradually close its local facility by March 2028, a move that will eliminate approximately 175 jobs. The company made the announcement publicly via Facebook on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. In its statement, AFS said Fine Sinter had completed a review of North American demand and overall group production capacity, and determined that future production for the North American market will be sourced from other group facilities. "A transition period of approximately two years has been established," AFS said in the statement. "While the transition will take place in steps over the next couple of years, the first adjustments are anticipated to begin later this year." The company said it does not yet have exact production stop dates or a finalized plan from its customers. AFS said it will close temporary employment positions first and move existing employees into other roles where possible. The company is offering retention incentives and severance options to employees who remain through their individual closure dates, and said its HR team will work to connect workers with recruiters, job fairs, and other employment resources. "Our goal is to give at least 3 months' notice for changes to departments and positions," the company said. "We are grateful for the decades of support from the Tiffin Community, Seneca County, and above all for our faithful employees." Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson confirmed the closure in a separate statement Tuesday morning, saying he was informed about the decision and attended a meeting with AFS leadership. The Seneca Regional Chamber & Development also participated in that meeting. "AFS has been a valued and stable employer in Tiffin for more than two decades, providing quality jobs and contributing to our local economy," Wilkinson wrote. "This news is difficult, especially for the employees and families who have dedicated so much to the company." In its own statement, the Seneca Regional Chamber & Development said it has already contacted OhioMeansJobs Seneca County and is coordinating with local and state partners. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Rapid Response partners are prepared to assist affected workers with job search support, resume assistance, interview preparation, and retraining opportunities. "We appreciate the AFS leadership team for bringing us into the conversation early and for the transparency and thoughtfulness they've shown throughout this process," the Chamber said. The AFS facility is located at 957 N. Maule Rd. in Tiffin. The company manufactures automotive components including internal engine, transmission, and vehicle suspension parts. Workers affected by the AFS closure can contact OhioMeansJobs Seneca County through the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services at senecadjfs.com or by calling (419) 447 5011.
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