Hundreds of workers at Liberty Steel & Wire in Bartonville, IL, facility face furloughs after an industry downturn for industrial wire products.

Workers were taken off the production line for two weeks, starting on July 13, according to a company statement. Around 300 people are employed at the plant.

“Like many manufacturers, we periodically adjust production levels to align with customer demand while maintaining the long-term health of the business,” stated company spokesperson Stephanie AlKhafaji said.

The Liberty Steel & Wire plant in Bartonville produces billets, wire rod and industrial wire.

Peoria, IL-based Liberty Steel is one of the largest wire and rod mills in the US, producing 700,000 tons of steel annually.