OKLAHOMA (From news reports) -- The largest industrial and manufacturing employer in Blaine County, Oklahoma is scheduled to close this fall.

U.S. Gypsum (USG), a longtime operator of a major gypsum mine and processing plant in Southard, Oklahoma, notified employees Thursday, July 16, that it will idle its manufacturing facility and phase out a majority of the industrial products portfolio manufactured at the plant.

In a company statement, leadership said the decision was "driven by several business and operational factors specific to the Southard operation, including the escalating complexity and cost to mine and manufacture the specialized products in the portfolio."

Work will begin over the next few months to idle the facility.

"Our intent is to continue production in Southard through November 2026," said Maureen St. George, senior manager of corporate communications for the Chicago-headquartered company.

Effect on Oklahoma's workforce

USG, an employer in the area for more than a century, employs 300 people in Oklahoma, according to the Major County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC).

St. George said employees are the top priority throughout this transition.

"We are committed to supporting impacted team members by providing career transition resources, relocation opportunities for those interested in transferring to another USG facility, and severance packages for affected employees," the company statement reads.

The announcement represents a blow to the region, where USG has been a cornerstone employer.

The facility is located in Blaine County, but many employees and families call Major County home, said JaNae Barnard, executive director of the MCEDC. She said the corporation's hearts are "with everyone impacted by this difficult news," acknowledging that such a situation creates uncertainty.

"MCEDC is working with our partners, including Oklahoma Department of Commerce, OESC, Northwest Technology Center, the City of Fairview, the Fairview Chamber of Commerce, and our colleagues in Blaine County, to coordinate resources and support affected workers," Barnard said in a statement. "We are also reaching out to employers throughout the region to identify current and upcoming job opportunities. Information about job fairs, employment opportunities, workforce training, and other available resources will be shared as plans are finalized."

USG leadership says the company recognizes the deep connections it has in Southard, and the community has been "foundational" to its success.

"We are grateful to all the employees who have worked for us, and appreciate all of the community partners who have worked with us," the USG statement reads.

Barnard asks regional employers to notify the MCEDC of upcoming or current job openings. Additionally, she urges employees impacted by USG's decision to reach out regarding employment opportunities and available resources.