WDEF News 12

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Several hundred employees at Dayton's La-Z-Boy plant get notice they could lose their jobs.

The company will close a Utah plant and move all its cutting and sewing operation across the country to Mexico.

It's the latest company to head south for cheaper labor.

In Dayton, just about everyone knows someone who works at the La-Z-Boy plant.

Keith Brown, "My brother he's worked at La-Z-Boy for about 11 years I'd say.

 Allison Roddy, "My brother and my sister in law as a matter of fact his father works there. I know several I have some cousins that work there."

 Roy Denton, "As far as Rhea county is concerned La-Z-Boy that is really the best place to work."

That's why news that the company will close its Utah plant and move its cutting and sewing operations to Mexico doesn't sit well with most people.

 Brown, "I hate it that people's losing their jobs around here cause jobs are hard to find around here really hard."

The company says one thousand 50 employees at its five plants will be impacted.

It won't say how many from Dayton but it could be several hundred.

Denton, "The truth is this is probably a big step in the demise of Rhea county."

It's the latest in a trend many around here find disturbing.

 Brown, "I really feel sorry for the people that are going to be losing their jobs. It seems like a lot of the factories are sending their work down to Mexico and I know everybody needs a job but now a days jobs are hard to find so my heart goes out to them." Denton, "They move out the sewing department ok what are they going to move next. Give it five years before you know it La-Z-boy won't exist here."

La-X-Boy says it will transfer production from it's Utah plant to the remaining five plants. The company says that will mean 400 production positions for the plants.

Impacted employees can train and apply for those positions and others that become available as people quit or retire.

It's little comfort to some.

 Brown, "Put a lot of people out of a job apparently. I hope it don't but that's what it sound like they're going to do."

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