Caterpillar laying off 80 workers at NC plant

FRANKLIN, NC (AP) — Caterpillar plans to close its plant in Franklin after the first of the year, putting 80 people out of work.

The company announced in September it would lay off 10,000 worldwide during the next three years. It makes precision seals at the Franklin plant. Local media outlets report the layoffs will begin Jan. 1.

Caterpillar has six plants in North Carolina.

The company makes construction and mining equipment and said that the layoffs are needed as it adjusts to a downturn in key markets around the world.

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