The construction industry slump is claiming more Iowa jobs. Ceco Building Systems is closing its Mount Pleasant factory, which makes metal framing and paneling systems for building construction. The production line is being shut down in June, eliminating 120 jobs, though an office will remain open as a service center.

Mount Pleasant Mayor John Freeland says it’s sad news. "Your heart goes out and your thoughts to the employees and what they’re going to do," Mayor Freeland says. "Hopefully, we can get this economy turned around and people will be able to go back to work." He says Ceco has been a staple in Mount Pleasant since its first factory opened there in 1972.

The mayor says he’s just hoping the employees "come out okay on this." He notes that residents in the southeast Iowa town remain optimistic, despite this setback. "I really feel bad about it but locally, we don’t have any control of where the economy is going," Freeland says. "All we can do is try to recruit businesses here and we think we have a pro-business city and all we can do is hope for the best."