Pendleton Wollen Mills to let 43 workers go

PORTLAND, Ore. - Pendleton Woolen Mills, a historic Oregon company going back over 100 years, has announced it will lay off 43 workers due to poor economic conditions.

The company employs about 900 people in total across the nation, but most work in Oregon and Washington.

Most of the layoffs will take place at a mill in Pendleton. Company officials said the layoffs were part of a cost-cutting program. they also cited the poor economy.

Oregon continues to have the second-highest unemployment level in the country at 12.1 percent. Only Michigan has a higher rate of jobless citizens.

Employees making over $50,000 a year will also take a pay cut, according to the company. The size of the pay cuts were not specified.

No Pendleton Wollen Mills stores are expected to close.