MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. -- Starting next year, 70 employees of the Bayer Material Science plant in Marshall County will lose their jobs, according to the plant manager Jeffrey Bolton.

"These guys have been through so much in the past few years, I think it just was shock. Some of my employees were in tears," he said.

Bolton blames the poor economy for the forced restructuring. He said 50 of the 413 Bayer employees will be laid off. Twenty of 55 contracted positions will also be cut, however he said the final restructuring details aren't worked out.

"At this time it hasn't been completely analyzed, exactly what jobs it will be," he said.

Marshall County resident Tim Dalek said he isn't surprised to hear the news. His father took an early retirement from Bayer several years ago.

"Seems like all the jobs are leaving the area. Which is why a lot of the people are leaving the area," he said.

Even for those who don't have friends or family working at the plant, it's tough news to hear this time of year.

"Heart goes out to the families, holiday season is always tough to lose their jobs," said Moundsville resident Michael Fallen.

Bolton said Bayer will make every effort to place employees in other positions within the company, offer employees voluntary separations and severance packages to try and help ease the blow.