An automotive supplier in Shelbyville will close its plant soon, resulting in the loss of 79 jobs, because its customers have switched to other suppliers.

Noble Metal Processing does laser welding work and was notified by customers of their "intent to re-source (that work) from facilities in the U.S. and Canada, including our plant in Shelbyville," said company spokeswoman Ann Cieszkowski.

She said the site will cease operation once the customers' work has been transferred, which will likely be within six weeks.

Charles Brinegar, who has worked at the plant since it opened in 1999, said employees have been told that production will cease April 24. He identified the primary customers of the Shelbyville plant as General Motors, Ford and Honda.

The parent company of the plant filed this week for bankruptcy protection, citing the decisions by three customers to move to other suppliers.