Western.

• Position: Regional Report - Brief Article

FLETCHER -- Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Steelcase will close its officefurniture plant by the end of the year, eliminating 480 jobs. The company will shift the work to Michigan and California.

BLACK MOUNTAIN -- Houstonbased Cooper Bussman, which makes electrical fuses, will phase out operations here within 18 months. About 290 employees will be let go. A year ago in February, the company dismissed 200 workers and shifted their work to Mexico.

MARION -- Drexel Heritage plants here and in nearby Morganton shut down, claiming nearly 400 jobs. Officials of St. Louis-based Furniture Brands International blamed slack demand. A few employees might be transferred to other Drexel plants.

BRYSON CITY -- ConMet, based in Portland, Ore., will spend $13 million to expand its plant and add 70 jobs. The plant makes plastic...