EAST JORDAN, Mich. - One of Charlevoix County's largest employers has laid off almost 10 percent of its work force because of slowdowns in the housing industry and heavy duty truck and trailer business.
East Jordan <link _top>Iron Works says it laid off 26 people Oct. 2 and another 15 on Thursday. Executive vice president Tad M. Malpass says about 460 employees remain with the company.
The 125-year-old business produces infrastructure products such as municipal <link _top>castings, fire hydrants and water valves, as well as brake drums for trucks and trailers.
Malpass says East Jordan <link _top>Iron Works is facing higher raw material costs, shrinking demand and competition from imports.
