Fifty-two employees at the Franklin steel manufacturing plant of Mahle Engine Components USA received formal notice Wednesday that they’ll be out of a job by the end of next year.

The change is part of the company’s restructuring of its North America piston ring manufacturing business, according to company officials.

Mahle, one of the largest automotive suppliers worldwide, said it will close its steel plant on Harding Road in Franklin and its Harvey Street machining plant in Muskegon, Mich., because of the competitive nature of the auto industry, according to Mahle spokesman Jeff Trent.

&#8220The auto industry is very focused on competitiveness and productivity. The only way to ensure long-term success is to be as efficient and productive as possible. Unfortunately, that sometimes requires difficult decisions,” Trent said in an e-mail while traveling in Germany.

Mahle’s Franklin cast-iron plant on Blackjack Road, which was listed as employing about 150 in the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce Industrial Guide, will remain open, Trent said.

The acquisition of both Franklin plants from Dana Corp. became final in March, according to Trent.

&#8220We are saddened by the decision to lose the one plant. It affects so many families,” said Steve Thurmond, executive director of the Franklin Simpson Chamber of Commerce. &#8220The chamber of commerce, the industrial authority and city and county government, I’m sure, will join hands to do all we can to place those workers in other areas.”

It is unclear what compensation or severance package will be offered to employees since details are still being developed, according to Trent.

&#8220The announcement was made as early as possible so that employees will have sufficient time to plan for the future. Details have not been developed. As plans are developed, they will be communicated to employees,” Trent said.

A news release from Mahle said the majority of the products from the Franklin Steel and the Michigan machining plant – which will lay off 108 workers – will be transferred to other Mahle locations in North America.

&#8220A decision to close an operation is an extremely difficult one, and we regret the impact upon our affected employees,” Milton Laugenio, vice president of Product Group Piston Rings, said in a statement. &#8220However, this is a necessary strategic business decision that will realign our investment and capacity to enhance the long-term competitiveness and performance of our piston ring business.”

As one of the leading manufacturers of combustion engine components, systems and peripherals, Mahle is among the top three suppliers for piston systems, cylinder components, valve train systems, air management systems and liquid management systems.