UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — A Utica mainstay in the manufacturing industry is closing its doors after almost 100 years in business.

ECR International, formerly known as Utica Boilers, announced that it will cease manufacturing operations at their facility in Utica beginning on Thursday, January 4, 2024. The company has announced that they will be moving manufacturing operations to their Dunkirk plant in Western New York.

As a result of the move, the manufacturing plant, located on Dwyer Avenue, will be offered for sale by the company. ECR International will continue to have their customer service, technical support, finance, marketing and engineering operations in the city.

Utica Boilers was established in 1928 under the name “The Utica Companies” to make cast iron radiators and baseboard heating. They began designing and manufacturing boilers in the 1950’s. The Boilermaker Road Race was established by Utica Boilers’ founder, Earle Reed, as a way to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary.

In a statement, ECR International gave the reasoning for the shutdown, saying: “The logistics involved with maintaining two separate facilities does not align with optimizing manufacturing capabilities. This plant consolidation will strengthen ECR International and allow us to continue manufacturing in New York State.”

According to the WARN notice delivered by the New York State Department of Labor, approximately 40 people will be laid off by the company on January 4.