Pierce Co. closing Upland plant costing about 40 jobs

A 20th century industrial icon in Upland is dying, an apparent victim of modern times that no longer need the technology it makes.

The Pierce Co. is closing its doors, parent company Avis Industrial Corp. announced in a brief statement dated Tuesday and released Wednesday evening.

About 40 employees are losing their jobs, according to Jackie Duggan, vice president and chief financial officer for Avis Industrial.

It is unknown whether Tuesday was the company’s last day of business. Representatives were still answering the phones Wednesday for the plant at 35 N. Eighth St. in Upland. The Pierce Co. has been in Upland since 1965.

Pierce built its business since 1913 making mechanical governors, a device that helps regulate engine speed. According to the company’s website, Pierce at one time was the world’s largest mechanical governor manufacturer. It also produced oil and water pumps for specialty engines.

In the 1970s, after being purchased by Avis, Pierce expanded to making mechanical fuel pumps for the automotive aftermarket and in the 1990s, electronic fuel pumps, too.

Pierce struggled valiantly against market conditions, according to Tim Eckerle, executive director of the Grant County Economic Growth Council.

In its statement, Avis blamed the decline of its subsidiary on cheaper products from overseas competition and shrinking markets.

“The company suffered financial losses over the last few years and rigorously endeavored to reduce costs in all facets of the operation in order to become competitive in the diminishing markets while trying to maintain a quality product,” Avis said in the statement.

The highly popular 2009 “Cash for Clunkers” program contributed to the company’s demise, according to Avis, because it encouraged owners of older vehicles, which used mechanical fuel pumps like the ones made at Pierce, to get rid of their cars altogether instead of repairing them.