250 lose jobs from downstate plant

PONTIAC -- About 260 people will lose their jobs this week or next when a new owner takes over a central Illinois shelf plant, and it isn't clear whether they'll be rehired.

Dan Wilson is the president of United Fixtures Interlake. He told employees at the plant in Pontiac on Tuesday that they'll lose their jobs when shelf-maker Mecalux Inc. takes over Friday or Monday.

Wilson says the Spanish company would have more information later.

Pontiac Mayor Scott McCoy believes the new owner could rehire the workers.

Officials with the union that represents Interlake workers fear the move could be designed to weaken the union.

Interlake is one of the largest employers in Pontiac, which is about 40 miles northeast of Bloomington.