It is reported that ArcelorMittal's Border Steel facility in Vinton has laid off 151 employees.

Border Steel officials said that 110 of the workers that were laid off were only temporary workers. They cited this as the reason Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande was not notified ahead of time.

By law, any company who lays off more than 50 full time positions, has to notify the state and the local human resources office.

Ms Jessica Garza spokeswoman of Vinton village said that "We met with officials last week and discussed the layoffs. We were assured that it would be short term until the economy comes back."

Arcelor Mittal officials assured village leaders that they would try to reduce the number of layoffs by trying to move people into other positions. Company officials also said at last week's meeting that they would use the gap in production to upgrade the plant with plans to re-open at a later date.

Ms Madeline Praino mayor of Vinton said that the company is the biggest employer and contributor to the local tax base. She is optimistic the company will make good on its pledge to rehire the workers.