[simage=6505,400,y,center]
Pella Corporation Corporate Public Relations Manager Kathy Kafka-Harkema told KNIA/KRLS News earlier today that Pella Corp would be laying off 198 employees today, many of which live here.

Kafka-Harkema cited the housing downturn and general world economic conditions as primary factors in Pella Corp’s decision.

Pella Corp says they have attempted to keep people in their jobs through the prolonged recession, but they had to reduce their workforce because of the drawn-out nature of the downturn. The job cuts also affects plants in Shenandoah, Carroll, Sioux Center, and Portland, Oregon, though the majority are here in Pella.

The company is also working with state officials and private businesses to assist workers in finding other employment.

Click below to hear Dr. Bob Leonard’s brief interview with Kathy Krafka-Harkema this morning.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS | More