Hazen To Lose Manufacturing Plant

Today's THV called Mayor David Duch Saturday to ask if the rumors of the plant closing were true. He said that's the first he heard about the closing.

But, first thing this week it was confirmed.

With a population just under 2,000, Hazen is a place where everybody knows your name and many folks work together, but in 60 days that will change.

Jackie Fogerty says, "We've been here 23 years." Jackie and her husband Robert moved to Hazen because for the manufacturing plant two decades ago. Hazen Powder Parts makes parts for Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, but the Fogertys just found out Robert won't have a job after August 24th.

She adds, "I feel like we'll make it. There are a lot of people I worry about like husbands and wives working together out there."

Mayor David Duch adds, "Most of these people have lived here all their life and they're not going to move, but some may and it's going to leave houses vacant and affect the school."

Mayor Duch says the plant closing is cause for concern. It's the only non-farming manufacturer in town leaving families in hardship and the community without much needed revenue.

He continues, "Water, sewer and gas is about $75,000 a year of gross sales that we bill them and we're going to miss that."

Mayor Duch says he is optimistic a new manufacture will step in. "It happens statewide, it happens nationwide and it just happened to hit us a little harder because we're a small town. The building will be available for sale or lease but the chance of finding something right away is pretty slim. We hope to get is filled."

As for the employees, Jackie says Hazen is their home and like many of her husband's co-workers they're willing to commute.

She explains, "There are opportunities out there. I'm sure it might take a little while, it might mean traveling to work, but I feel positive about it."

A Hazen Powder Parts manager we spoke with says once they've notified all of their clients about the closing then they will release a statement.

Mayor Duch says his next step is to work with the state to advertise the building for a potential industry.