Over 300 could be out of work in Mattawan

MATTAWAN, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – It's been a week of bad economic news for West Michigan.

More than 300 people work at AEES in Mattawan where they make plastic components and connectors for the auto industry.

On Thursday, workers there were warned about possible cuts as the company looks at all its business options. On Thursday, workers were notified that come January 15^th, they could be out of a job if the company can't find a buyer or figure out another way to stay in business.

Newschannel 3 spoke with company leaders on Friday, who tell us they are working to keep the facility afloat, but nothing is guaranteed.

"We're looking at a variety of options for the facility," said Julie Bellamy, AEES Global HR Vice President.

Officials at the company say with the decline of the auto industry, they have had to make some changes, and they are currently looking for more ways to cut costs.

"One of the possible options is the location could be closed or the work moved to another location," said Bellamy.

Under the Warn Notice Act, the company had to let employees know that shutting down in the near future is a possibility. They handed out a 60 day notice on Thursday, telling workers about the options.

One person that AEES didn't tell was Mattawan Village Manager Terri Mclean. Newschannel 3 informed her of the possible job cuts on Friday.

"A little upsetting, especially given the time of year with the holidays," said Mclean. "You know one job lost is hard to take, but 310 is going to be huge."