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Llink Technologies is permanently laying off 40-60 employees effective May 1.

Employees at the plant on Burnsline Road were notified in person Thursday. They also received a WARN (Workers Advice and Retaining Notification) letter. There are a total of 130 non-union employees at the factory, which makes molded plastic components for the auto industry.

City Manager Clint Holmes said city officials also became aware of the layoffs Thursday, when a letter was faxed to the office. The letter, originally sent to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth's Bureau of Workforce Programs, was written by Llink CEO Jeffrey Goulet.

Goulet said Friday morning that although the layoffs were considered permanent, he hopes that plans he is working on will allow him to hire the workers back at some point in the future.

Goulet said he wanted "the truth," not rumors, to be told about the situation at Llink. The CEO's statement, in its entirety said: "Earlier this week Llink Technologies informed its employees that they will be laying off approximately 40-60 employees at the Brown City facility. Layoffs will take place effective May 1. Due to a past payment history and ongoing commercial issues with Lear Corp. Llink has no other alternative then to mutually absolve the relationship. As a result of this action, Llink will literally reduce all long- and short-term debt while substantially increasing its positive cash flow with its remaining customer base.

"Additionally, the future prospects for Llink look solid. Llink has been approached with new business opportunities by a large Japanese OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and one of the most profitable automotive Tier I system suppliers. We sincerely appreciate our hard-working and dedicated employees. In the near future, it is our goal to rehire those individuals laid off."

Goulet said he could not reveal what Japanese firm or Tier I supplier he is referring to. He said he hopes to provide the information soon.

The lay offs will have a direct impact on the community.

"I would expect a fairly significant impact," said Holmes. "We have 65 people who won't be purchasing products in Brown City and probably will be challenged relative to paying their mortgages if they live in the city."

"It will be devastating for the people who lose their jobs," said William Walters, a Sanilac County Commissioner and a Brown City resident. "It'll hurt city businesses Ð restaurants, gas stations, party stores. This county is down to the point we're struggling to hold on to what we have."

"I've already had conversations with Dale Benish (executive director Sanilac Economic Alliance) to see if any options are available through Sanilac County or the State of Michigan, and at this point there are not," said Holmes, referring to possible economic incentives that would alter the company's decision.

"All business development options have been utilized," he said, referring to the company's location in the tax-free Renaissance Zone.