International Coal Group in Putnam County, West Virginia is expecting significant downsizing after a USD 3 billion buyout by Arch Coal. ICG officials said that the company expects a substantial reduction in staffing once the takeover happens in June.

ICG located to Putnam County less than six years ago. After the sale, some employees will be able to stay on with Arch Coal, but whether or not they will get to stay in Putnam County is still not certain.

ICG moved from Ashland, Ky to Scott Depot in 2005. During that time, ICG’s future seemed bright.

Mr Ben Hatfield with ICG said that "West Virginia has an improving business climate, and it will continue to improve, and this is a good place to base our operations."

The hope now is that it will remain a good place to operate.

Putnam County Commissioner Joe Haynes said that "We hope that the folks at Arch Coal will see that this is a good place to work, a good place to do business."

However, it's still unclear whether or not the combined company will keep offices in Putnam County.

(Sourced from www.wkyt.com)