PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- An Eastern Kentucky plant that has been in operation for more than 40 years has shut its doors and left about 50 people unemployed.
Officials with bath and kitchen products company American Standard announced earlier this year that it would be closing its factory in Paintsville in October.
Johnson County Judge Executive Tucker Daniel told WYMT-TV the county's economy will suffer.
American Standard officials say increasing energy costs and the plant's distance to the interstate were factors in the plant's closing, but say they understand the community's loss.
Company spokeswoman Tracy Benson Kirker said every company in this economy is being challenged to be profitable.