On Monday, Mitsubishi Motors scaled back production at its factory in Normal, Illinois which has been producing models for the automaker for 27 years.

Approximately 900 of the plant’s 1200 workers were let go at the start of the week with the remaining 300 set to retain their jobs until the factory closes its doors for good in May 2016. Between now and then, only a handful of parts will be created at the factory.

Mitsubishi made the decision to end production in Normal quite some time ago due to dwindling sales in the United States. Production previously handled by the plant in Normal will now be fulfilled by an unnamed overseas plant.

To help the 900 people now without a job, a local job fair will be held in the community next week while a transition center will also be opened. Additionally, former staff will be rewarded severance packages by the end of 2015.

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