The Schott North American plant in Auburn will be shutting down by the end of 2008. Currently the plant employs 73 people.

Schott announced the closure Monday. It acquired the facility in 1999 from Fostec. The plant manufactures fiber optic and LED products for medical and industrial clients. Schott said they will try to place some of the employees at other sites.

The company cited industry pressures for the decision. Some employees are being offered positions at the company's plant in Southbridge, Mass. The state Department of Labor will also assist with job placement services for affected workers.

For more on this story, read Tuesday's edition of The Citizen..