The Ingersoll-Rand plant in Athens will close by the end of the year, leaving 200 people without a job.

The employees were told of the plant closing Monday morning.

Company officials blame the economy. Ingersoll-Rand makes keys, locks, power hand tools and other items.

Layoffs will begin this summer. Work will be shifted to other plants, including one in North Carolina. Company officials say 30 assembly jobs will be created at that North Carolina plant. Athens workers will be given a chance to apply.

Ingersoll-Rand first opened the Athens plant more than 50 years ago.