PULASKI, Va. (AP) -- Caterpillar Inc. is shutting down its mining equipment plant in Pulaski, laying off 240 workers.
The company said the production of underground mining equipment will move from Pulaski to Caterpillar's Houston, Pa., facility by the middle of next year.
Media outlets report that Pulaski facility made scoops, coal haulers and other mining equipment.
In a statement, the company said the actions are needed to make its underground mining business more efficient and competitive.
The company said it will offer severance packages to full-time management and support employees. It also will meet with the union to discuss benefits for production workers.
Earlier this year, the company also announced that it was shifting production at its Tazewell and Beckley, W.Va., facilities to the Pennsylvania plant.
