OWATONNA, Minn. (AP) -- Viracon is idling its commercial glass factory in Owatonna for the week, idling about 1,100 workers. They are scheduled to go back to work next week.
Marketing Manager Christine Shaffer says the decision to put production on hold was unusual for the company, but she notes many other manufacturers take a break during December.
She says that after a long period of prosperity the recession has touched Viracon, which gets most of its revenue from commercial construction projects.
Vice President of Human Resources Jim Wendorff says the company informed its work force about the temporary shutdown three weeks ago, so this week wasn't a surprise.
Although the production line is down, office staff continue working as usual. Viracon is the largest manufacturer in Owatonna, with about 1,800 employees.