Itron Inc. plans to close its Owenton plant within the next two years, leaving more than 400 employees out of work.
Owen County officials had little warning about the decision to shutter the plant and move production to South Carolina.
Judge-Executive Casey Ellis says the news “caught us by surprise to say the very least.”
The Itron plant making natural gas meters, regulators and fittings is the county’s largest private employer and has been operational since 1978.
The state Cabinet for Economic Development lists employment at Itron at 411.
Magistrate Teresa Davis says the plan is for the plant to phase out production, not close down all at once. Officials have begun searching for a new employer to take over the factory.
Source: AP
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