Vehicle parts manufacturer Delphi Corporation announced this weekend that it has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and is planning to downsize or shut down parts of its U.S. operations.

Delphi and 38 of its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for business reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on Saturday, Oct. 8. Delphi’s non-U.S. subsidiaries that were not included in the filing, will continue their business operations without supervision from the U.S. courts and will not be subject to Chapter 11 requirements.

According to a press release, Delphi’s global management team will continue to manage both the U.S. and global businesses. Delphi expects to complete its restructuring in the United States in early to mid-2007.

“Our global operations, both U.S. and non-U.S., will continue without interruption,” said Robert S. Miller, Delphi’s chairman and CEO, in a press release. “Our customers all over the world can be assured that we will continue to meet their scheduling, delivery and production needs in a timely manner.”

“The board of directors, the senior management team and I greatly appreciate the loyalty and support of our employees,” said Miller. “Their dedication and hard work are critical to our success and integral to the future of Delphi.”

The company said it would continue to pay wages, salaries and current benefits of U.S. hourly and salaried employees and certain retiree benefits without disruption and in the same manner as before the filing. However, Delphi is expected to close some of its productions plants, and had previously identified 11 facilities that were not profitable, The Wall Street Journal reported.