Pella Corporation announced Wednesday the closing of its plant in Story City.The firm blames the decreased demand for building materials and the nation’s housing crisis for its closing. The Story City Pella facility will close its window and door manufacturing plant in March leaving 244 people without work.

The Pella Company plans to partner with area employers and state and local officials to help identify new potential careers for those who want to remain within Story City and to work with Story City employees who may be interested in applying for positions with Pella elsewhere across the country. The Story City Pella plant began operations in 1997.

Once manufacturing ceases at the Story City plant, the facility is expected to be converted to storage. The production of Pella windows and doors will continue at other facilities across the United States. Pella’s other plants are located in Pella, Carroll, Shenandoah and Sioux Center.

Audio: Pat Powers report. :47 MP3

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