Caldwell, Ohio -- United Steelworkers District 1 Representative Denny Longwell confirms for wtrf.com that the Mahle Plant in Caldwell is closing at the end of 2009. 250 workers will lose their job. Longwell says, "As we always do, we said what can we do to stop it? They said nothing. They further stated that employees could agree to work the next two years for nothing and they're still closing the plant."

The news doesn't stop there. Union leaders also tell us that International Converter in Belpre Ohio is closing the last week of December. 51 jobs will be lost there. The company produces aluminum laminate.

Union leaders further tell us that the Mayflower Plant in Shadyside is NOT affected by the economy nor are they affected by any negative impact on the auto industry. Infact they tell me their company is doing even better now that price of diesel fuel is dropping.