Layoffs Set For Jan. 18 At Magnetation In Iron Range

BOVEY, Minn. (AP/WCCO) — Iron ore producer Magnetation has a target date for layoffs on the Iron Range.

The company said in a statement Wednesday night it will idle the plant in Bovey beginning Jan. 18. About 160 people who work at the plant were notified about two months ago that the layoffs would be coming.

Magnetation CEO Larry Lehtinen says there's no way to predict how long the layoffs will last. The downturn in the domestic steel industry has significantly cut production on Minnesota's Iron Range.

The company continues to run its largest plant near Grand Rapids.

Some laid-off iron range workers were also at the Capitol Thursday.

They're pleading for a 26-week extension of unemployment benefits that are about to expire.

Governor Dayton said if lawmakers agree to a special session he wants to include emergency aid to the Iron Range.

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