Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect more information from ZF North America.
ZF Active Safety & Electronics U.S. will close its facility in Lafayette, Ind., in the first quarter of 2027. The closure will affect 133 employees.
The company says the research and development facility at the same location will continue operations.
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The Lafayette location makes steering columns, power steering pumps and pitman arms for the automotive and commercial vehicle industries.
In 2025, local news reports say employees and union members from UAW Local 531 rallied to try to save the plant, which was formerly Ross Gear and TRW. The plant was set to close by March 2027.
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"ZF has worked diligently with our customers and partners to identify a path forward for our Lafayette Steering production site," Tony Sapienza told Based in Lafayette at the time. "Unfortunately, a solution was not found."
Ashley Van Horn, communications manager with ZF, said Tuesday the original announcement to phase out production was made Jan. 15, 2025.
