Officials at the Eaton Hydraulics plant in Spencer say the economy is forcing them to make layoffs. Company officials say 103 workers, about one quarter of the workforce, will be laid off because a drop in demand for their agricultural and industrial motors and pumps.

A company spokesman says they’re seeing a softening in sales, reflecting a decline in construction sales.  Eaton Hydraulics shuts down for two weeks over the holidays and the company has extended the closing by three days — December 22, 23 and January 2 – as a cost-saving measure.

The layoffs are effective January 5. No one is available for comment at the local offices in Spencer. The Spencer plant is part of the Ohio-based Eaton Corp., makes pumps and motors for the industrial, agricultural and construction markets.