Macomb, IL – A local manufacturing plant is laying off 100 employees. The layoffs at Pella Corporation's Macomb plant take effect Monday.
Spokeswoman Kathy Krafka Harkema says employees at the Macomb plant were asked to take a voluntary leave of absence. She says the winter is always a slow time for the construction industry. Krafka Harkema says this year has been slower than normal.
She says the company has taken a number of measures to deal with the downturn in the housing market. Krafka Harkema says that includes not filling open positions, being as efficient as possible, and looking at workforce flexibility.
She says employees at the plant started working a four-day work week this month. The 4-day week will continue through March. She says the schedules are adjusted on a week-to-week basis. Krafka Harkema says employees might work a 40 hour week, but might work less than that based on demand.
Krafka Harkema says the employees will be eligible for unemployment benefits. She says as soon as the housing market turns around, the employees will be called back to work.
Pella's Macomb location employees 350 people. The plant manufactures windows for the company's "Heritage Division."