Eaton Corp. Will Layoff Workers

An area employer says it plans to cut it's workforce by 35 percent starting sometime this month.

Eaton Corporation representative Gary Klasen says the company made the announcement to its employees on Friday.

The plant in Belmond employs around five hundred people and makes engine valves for trucks, s-u-v's and cars.

Officials say about 175 employees will be let go, but they aren't sure who will be laid off, and if all of the lay offs will be permanent or temporary.

A Belmond city council member says he's not too worried by Eaton's decision.

Council member Earl Kalkwarf tells KIMT Newschannel Three, "It's a good community, we'll band together and we'll get through it."

Klasen says the layoffs could start this month, and continue unitl January.

The company has a national headquarters in Cleveland, and says the layoffs are because of an expected soft market with trucks and s-u-v's in the near future.

Justin Foss

MASON CITY, Iowa (KIMT)

Monday, October 2, 2006