Nebraska-based Behlen Manufacturing Co. plans to close its Manatee County plant by the end of 2026, affecting 55 employees.
The facility, located at 2812 Tallevast Road, produces pre-engineered metal buildings through the company’s Behlen Building Systems division.
According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice filed with Florida Commerce, layoffs are expected to occur on December 18.
The company cited high manufacturing costs in the Southeast, along with increasing expenses for materials, freight, and other supply chain operations, as reasons for the closure.
Behlen plans to transfer production from the Manatee County facility to its headquarters in Columbus, Nebraska. The consolidation is intended to improve operational efficiency, make better use of existing resources, and strengthen the company’s competitive position.
The company has committed to providing retention incentives, career counseling, and job placement assistance to affected employees.
The Tallevast Road facility was previously operated as Trident Building Systems, a manufacturer established in 1986. Behlen acquired Trident in 2020 and rebranded the operation under Behlen Building Systems in 2024.
In addition to its Nebraska headquarters, Behlen maintains manufacturing facilities in Baker City, Oregon; McGregor, Texas; and Springfield, Ohio.
The closure will end nearly four decades of metal building manufacturing operations associated with the Tallevast Road facility.
