The slowdown in the construction industry has forced Ash Grove Cement Co. to shut down production at its Durkee plant - the largest private employer in Baker County.

"It's devastating to Baker County," said Fred Warner Jr., Baker County commission chairman. "These are 68 really good jobs. It's going to hurt the community."

Companywide, the shutdown will hit 500 of the company's 2,800 employees. The Kansas company is the largest U.S.-owned maker of cement. Company officials said they had no schedule to resume manufacturing, but they will continue shipments from cement stockpiles built up in recent months.

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