Major layoffs coming at Hartco

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In a stunning reminder of the global recession's grip on local economy, Armstrong Wood Flooring is preparing to layoff more than 200 at its Oneida facility.

The corporation will cease production at most of its Oneida facility in early April. Reports indicate that the Strip Mill and Lumber Yard will shut down, with only the East Plant and Chemical Plant continuing production.

That would result in the cut of some 260 hourly and salaried employees.

Armstrong VP of Communications Beth Riley said the layoffs were in response to a decline in Armstrong's markets.

"We regret having to significantly scale back operations in Oneida," Riley said. "We consider this an action of last resort in response to current business conditions."

Scott County Mayor Rick Keeton said Thursday morning his office had not yet been in contact with Armstrong officials.

The pending layoff was a major topic of conversation around Scott County Thursday morning. Armstrong represents Scott County's largest and oldest manufacturing employer, and the layoffs promise to have far-reaching implications.

Scott County's unemployment rate in December, just announced last week, was 18.8%, only one-tenth of a percent from the state's highest jobless rate.

More details in next week's print edition.