American Standard Cos. has begun closing its Hamilton Township plant as part of its plan announced last year to consolidate and streamline its operations.

The Piscataway-based company said that it ceased operations at the 75-year-old plant at the end of 2000, with the majority of the closing work to be completed by June 2001.

The plant manufactured toilets, bidets, lavatories and basins. About half of its operations will be moved to the company's facility in Tiffin, OH, and the remainder will go to plants in Mexico City and Costa Rica. The closing is part ofa consolidation plan that includes cutting 1,200 jobs.