The economic downturn has affected yet another Eastern Idaho employer. Layoffs were announced Monday by the Ash Grove Cement Company which will affect about 45 of their 68 full-time employees.

According to a press release, the facility that operates in Inkom will suspend its clinker production and restructure its operations because of the "adverse economic conditions that are negatively affecting the cement industry and the entire manufacturing sector."

Clinker is ground to make Portland cement.

The clinker production will come to a halt January 1, 2009. The Inkom plant will continue to produce finished cement and operate its grinding and load out facilities. They will need about one-third of their full-time staff for these operations.

Ash Grove, which is based out of Overland Park, Kan., cited a report released by the Portland Cement Associate (PAC) that indicated a 13 percent drop in the US's cement consumption in 2008 with an additional 12 percent drop anticipated for 2009.

"This was an especially tough decision," explained Ash Grove Chairman and CEO Charlie Sunderland. "Our Inkom employees are an integral part of the Ash Grove family, and we will do our best to support them during this difficult transition." 

Ash Grove said they will provide career counseling for those being laid-off so they can get help with resumes and interviewing skills.