Canadian Cheese Maker Closing Hancock Plant

HANCOCK, Md. (AP) -- Canadian cheesemaker Saputo Inc. says it's closing its plant in Hancock, eliminating 60 jobs in a western Maryland town that has lost three other big manufacturers in the past decade.

Mayor Daniel Murphy told The Herald-Mail newspaper Thursday that the news is another blow for the town of 1,500. He says he hasn't heard when the plant will close.

Montreal-based Saputo announced on Wednesday it will close the Hancock plant, and plants in New London, Wis., and Canada's Alberta province, to become more efficient.

The company acquired U.S. dairy processor Morningstar Foods in 2012.

Hancock has lost hundreds of manufacturing jobs with the closing of London Fog apparel and Fleetwood travel trailer plants in 2005, and a Rayloc automotive parts plant in 2008.
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