MACON, Ga. — More than 170 Central Georgia workers are facing an uncertain future after learning this week that their employer is shutting down one of its manufacturing plants in South Bibb County.

Nichiha , a building materials company that has operated in Macon since 2006, announced it will close Plant One at its facility off Avondale Mill Road. The plant has produced wall panels for homes since 2008.

The company filed official layoff notices with the state Wednesday, confirming 171 jobs will be affected. A company spokeswoman said employees are eligible to receive pay and benefits through Dec. 6, giving workers just 60 days before losing their jobs right before the holidays.

For Marques Cecil, who has worked at Nichiha for more than 10 years, the announcement came without warnin

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