Longtime manufacturer Babcock & Wilcox may close its West Point facility next fall.
The company notified employees of the potential closing last week, according to the Golden Triangle Development LINK. The move could occur next September, according to Macaulay Whitaker, a LINK spokesperson.
Whitaker said the plant, which manufactures components for industry production, employs more than 200 people.
The LINK has contacted the Mississippi Development Authority and the two organizations are working with West Point and Clay County officials to set up a meeting with Babcock & Wilcox corporate officers to discuss future plans and offer support.
“Existing industry retention is as important, if not more, than new business recruitment,” LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins said in a media release. “We have a great working relationship with B&W and will do everything we can for them to retain their presence in our community.”
WTVA, a Tupelo TV station, reported Saturday that a spokesperson with Babcock & Wilcox indicated that the company’s management team recommended moving the West Point production work to Mexico.
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