Vernon, Ala.-based Marathon Equipment Co. is closing its Clearfield, Pa., manufacturing plant, effective May 15, 2009. “Due to poor economic conditions, production of the Clearfield plant is being consolidated with the Vernon plant," said Mike Beuke, Marathon's vice president of operations, in a press release. "We greatly appreciate the dedication and contribution of the Clearfield employees since the plant’s opening in 1989.”

Marathon officials are working closely with the Pennsylvania Dislocated Workers Unit to help the 71 employees impacted by the closing find other jobs in the community. The company also is working with employees to take advantage of educational opportunities offered by local agencies or schools, and it is offering workers resume and interview counseling.