Ingersoll Rand plans to relocate 60 jobs to its Southern Pines plant by the end of the year, according to a company spokesperson.

The company is closing its plant in Athens, Pa., and will consolidate the work done there to the plant here.

"It is the best fit for us as we work to find the best alternative for us within our existing business model and using our existing footprint," said Susan Jaramillo, a spokesperson with Ingersoll Rand.

Jaramillo said the work transfer and job eliminations will begin by June and be completed by the end of the year. The move will increase the current workforce at the Southern Pines plant to 178 employees from its current total of 118.

The Athens plant currently employs 199 people and manufactures air tool products. Jaramillo said 80 percent of the work done at the plant will move to Southern Pines.

The workers at the Athens plant will have the opportunity to seek jobs in Southern Pines or at other locations within the company, and those who can't find jobs within the company will receive severance packages and other assistance in finding other jobs.

The company reportedly has no plans to sell the Athens property.

Ray Ogden, director of Partners in Progress, an economic development organization serving Moore County, said he was aware of the pending move for some time, but declined to talk specifics. Ogden did say he had been working with town, county and state officials in hopes of convincing Ingersoll Rand to move its operations and jobs to Southern Pines, rather than overseas.

Ingersoll Rand bought the plant on U.S. 1 in 1990 when the company acquired the ARO Corp.

At that time, 180 employees were on the payroll. In 2008, the Employment Security Commiss-ion reported that the plant ranked 24th among the top 25 employers in Moore County.

In 2009, Ingersoll Rand eliminated 54 jobs at its Southern Pines facility, citing a slumping economy.

Ingersoll Rand is a New Jersey-based global diversified industrial company. It also -produces products under a number of different brand names, including Club Car golf carts, Hussman refrigeration equipment, Schlage locks, Thermo King transport temperature-control equipment and Trane air conditioning services.

The Southern Pines plant produces varied products, primarily on the tool side of the company's industrial operations. Ingersoll Rand, which owns plants across the country and overseas, was established in 1871.

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or by e-mail at tembrey@thepilot.com.