It is reported that Straits Steel has had to lay off some of its Ludington employees following what has become a trend among businesses across the country, the state and the community.

It has about 85 employees still working, down 15 from 100 prior to the holidays. It had 180 employees years ago but then after a near plant closing has been at 100 for several years.

Straits Steel is operating 3 shifts, the most efficient for the plant currently. About half the plants business now is in the appliance industry, supplying wire shelving for refrigerators and other home goods and the other half is in wire racks businesses use for displays.

Mr Mike Varenhorst HR manager at Straits Steel said that prospects for selling the company's products have been fairly strong in January 2009. There are some good opportunities were pursuing.

He added that "We have got a lot of irons in the fire, Varenhorst said. We are really aggressive. We are not going to fail here due to lack of effort by any of the employees. It is so crazy. I have never seen it like this. There are so many factors oil, government, the finance system, what's happening in the world. It's ridiculous. I've just never witnessed anything like this."

(Sourced from www.ludingtondailynews.com)