Source: CP staff

The Associated Press reported that Ash Grove Cement, the nation’s largest independently owned cement manufacturer, indicated plans late last month to suspend production at nine of its 10 U.S. plants, some starting the process as soon as mid-November, earlier than the company’s usual seasonal shutdowns. Companywide, the shutdown will affect about 500 of the company's 2,800 employees.

The company said that “adverse economic conditions” led to the decision, which includes idling the Montana City plant, with 50 of the facility's 79 employees being let go, beginning around November 30. The facility’s plant manager says production likely will resume in the spring, when demand will hopefully resume for the summer construction season. The remaining staff will handle sales, maintenance and upkeep of the plant in anticipation of a return to full operations.

The Oregonian also reported temporary shuttering of the Durkee, Ore., plant, which will lose 68 of its 115 employees. Ash Grove’s Inkom, Idaho, plant is expected to decrease its staff from 23 to 11 in early December, says the Idaho State Journal. Just two weeks after celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Louisville, Neb., plant will likely layoff 87 of its 138 employees beginning December 21, reports the Plattsmouth (Neb.) Journal. Ash Grove has not officially released any details on other plants that are closing, when they will shut down, or when they come back online.