BERLIN, Md. (AP) — An Eastern Shore avian vaccine plant is closing, and company officials say most of its 45 employees are expected to lose their jobs.

Merial Select says it will shut the Berlin plant next year. The company says production is being transferred to other sites in the United States. The company employs about 5,600 people in more than 150 countries.

Berlin Mayor Gee Williams told The Daily Times of Salisbury that town officials have been aware of the potential closing for a few months, but it is not expected to have a significant economic impact on the town. Economic and community development director Michael Day says Berlin is in the midst of a water and sewer expansion that he believes will make the plant site more attractive to potential buyers.

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