KEARNEY, Neb. — A major employer in Kearney is cutting more than 200 jobs.

Eaton Corp. announced the layoffs to staff on Wednesday. The company says it will end its engine valve production at the Kearney facility but will continue gear production operations.

“In no way does this reflect on the hard work of employees at the facility,” Director of Global Marketing for Mobility Group Thomas Nellenbach said.

Nellenbach says the costs associated with the plant are not competitive, leading to the decision to end valve production.

The staff reduction is not immediate. Nellenbach didn’t offer a specific date, but said the valve production operations will not continue into quarter four of this year.

The company currently employs around 300 workers in Kearney. The layoffs will affect a little more than 200 people, leaving around 100 employees at the facility. The reduction continues a trend for the plant, which employed around 600 people as recently as 2018.

The manufacturing facility has operated in Kearney for 55 years. It is part of the global power management company's North American Automotive industry. It manufactures precision-forged and machined engine valves and gears at the Kearney plant.

Eaton is offering comprehensive transition assistance to the affected employees.