Federal-Mogul Plant Fire in Smithville, Tennessee

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 5 -- Shortly after midnight this morning the Federal-Mogul distribution facility in Smithville, Tennessee was extensively damaged as a result of a fire. All employees in the building were safely evacuated and no injuries occurred. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

"Federal-Mogul expresses its deep sympathy to our employees and to the community of Smithville for this devastating loss. We feel extremely fortunate that all our employees were safely evacuated and that no one was injured," said Chip McClure, CEO and president.

The Smithville facility is the principal distribution facility for Moog and TRW chassis aftermarket products in the United States. The distribution center employs 225 people and is 244,000 square feet.

"Federal-Mogul is working hard to resume operations and lessen the impact on our customers and the community as a result of the situation," said McClure.

Operations at the Smithville distribution center are currently suspended, and the company expects to implement a temporary solution to resume operations late next week.