The continued recession in the housing economy is blamed for nearly 200 layoffs at four window and door manufacturing plants in Iowa. Pella Corporation spokesperson Kathy Krafka Harkema said workers were notified of the decision Wednesday.

“Our workforce was reduced at all of our locations in Iowa. That includes our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Pella, as well as facilities in Carroll, Sioux Center and Shenandoah,” Krafka Harkema said. Some workers were also let go at a manufacturing site in Portland, Oregon.

A total of 198 people were laid off. Late last month, Pella had offered workers at the Iowa locations the chance to retire or leave the workforce in return for incentives.

“We regret that we have to take these actions, but no matter who’s forecast you look at, the housing economy is not expected to recover anytime soon and new construction activity has dropped more than 70-percent since 2006,” Krafka Harkema said. Pella Corporation employs just over 7,000 people in Iowa and around the country.

Krafka Harkema said Pella has partnered with the state and local officials to help displaced workers find new careers. Pella recently announced plans to close a vinyl window manufacturing plant in West Columbia, South Carolina before the end of the year. That site employs 145 people.