A Gulf Coast plant says it will close it doors by year’s end, idling 147 workers.

Future Pipe in Gulfport issued a release that said it will continue to complete work orders on hand, but will concentrate on its Houston, Texas operations, which are more successful.

The company chose Gulfport in part because of its composite industry and experienced work force, with Northrop Grumman Gulfport, Seemann Composites, Trinity Yachts and United States Marine nearby.

Michael Olivier, regional president of FPI operations in the Americas, said Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath “have made it extremely difficult” for the company to consistently deliver on time from the Gulfport plant.

The Gulfport plant is one of 11 factories operated by Future Pipe Group, headquartered in Dubai. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of fiberglass pipe. The Gulfport plant made pipe for the oil and gas industry and for water and sewer lines.