Smoker Craft tells 94 workers they won't return to work soon in Elkhart, LaGrange counties

By Marilyn Odendahl, Truth Staff

modendahl@etruth.com

Smoker Craft has sent notices to the dislocated employees from its Topeka and New Paris facilities to expect their layoffs to continue for a long time.

The boat maker informed 25 workers from the Topeka plant and 69 employees from the New Paris operation that the company does not expect to be able to re-hire them with full seniority within six months of their layoff dates.

Also, Smoker Craft sent a letter to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development informing the state of its actions with its employees.

The company began downsizing in December because of the slumping economy.