USA (Notifix).- Steelcase Inc. announced the closure of three manufacturing facilities in North America as part of its efforts to improve the fitness of its business and

strengthen the company's long-term competitiveness. The company expects to move production within these facilities to other Steelcase locations in North America over the next eighteen months. The Company estimates the cash restructuring costs associated with these actions will be approximately US$45 million, with the majority relating to work force reductions and some additional cost for manufacturing consolidation and production moves. The company estimates the consolidation will generate annualized savings of approximately $35 million once fully implemented.