Published: August 09, 2008 12:00 am         

Pilgrim lays off 160 workers

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. — Pilgrim International officials have laid off 160 of their employees and temporarily ceased all operations, according to partner Dave Hoefer Sr.

“We are in the process of negotiations with the bank. Right now we’re not running any production,” he said.

According to Hoefer, officials at the Middlebury-based recreation vehicle manufacturer won’t know anything more of their situation until sometime next week.

“The sad thing is the people, the families, everything affected. But we have to look at it all,” he said.

“I am distressed to learn of the job losses in the last two days for employees of both Keystone RV Co. in Goshen and Pilgrim International in Middlebury,” U.S. Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd, said in a press release. “I am especially concerned for the hardworking Hoosier families who will be affected by these closings.

“I will work tirelessly with state and local officials and all government agencies to continue our efforts to generate new, good jobs in our area. We held workshops for displaced Monaco workers both (Thursday and Friday), and we will continue to exhaust all resources and pursue every opportunity to help the community recover from these factory closings.”

Keystone RV announced a layoff of 290 employees Friday morning. The company will retain approximately 2,600 employees.