Klein Tools Inc. is closing two of its locations in Skokie and Roselle and transferring jobs to Texas over the next 12 to 18 months.
Bruce Beebe, vice president of human resources at the company, told the Chicago Sun-Times about 200 employees work at the two locations, and he hopes many will accept transfers to Texas or other Klein locations.
Klein Tools was founded in Chicago in 1857, and the brand is considered among the top hand tools in the electrical and construction industries.
The Skokie factory has been around for the past 60 years. Beebe told the Sun-Times the company is building a new facility in Mansfield, Texas, which they hope will "serve the company another 60 years."
Last year, Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced the state would invest $2.8 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund for Klein Tools' relocation of business operations to Mansfield and the creation of 585 future jobs.
"This agreement will be significant as we strive to maintain and improve our position in today's globally-competitive environment as America's premier maker of the highest quality hand tools," said Thomas Klein, Klein Tools president, in a press release.
Beebe said the company will remain in Lincolnshire, where its headquarters is located, and in Elk Grove Village.
