Watson Grinding files for bankruptcy, lays off 80 workers weeks after deadly explosion

Houston-based Watson Grinding and Manufacturing Co. filed for bankruptcy protection less than two weeks after an explosion at its northwest Houston facility killed two workers and damaged nearby structures.

Watson Grinding and Manufacturing as well as Watson Valve Services Inc. voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 6, according to a news release. The move will allow the companies to continue operating while they work through a plan of reorganization.

“Our hearts go out…