The Walker Systems facility in Wood County will be shutting down early next year -- affecting more than 300 employees.

The Wiremold Company, which operates the plant, announced the decision to phase out the operation Wednesday -- saying it plans to consolidate its operations to reduce costs.

The Williamstown facility, which manufactures wire and cable management and distribution systems, employs about 235 hourly and
75 salaried workers.

Company officials say no employee reductions will take place for at least 60 days, with final layoffs expected to occur next March.

Phil LeRoux, senior vice president of human resources, says employees will be offered competitive severance pay packages, health care continuation benefits and access to an outplacement assistance program.

Wiremold is part of France-based Legrand S-A -- which bills itself as the world's leading producer of electrical wiring devices and accessories. The company has operations in nearly 60 countries and has approximately 26-thousand employees worldwide.