Union officials confirmed Tuesday that layoffs were expected at the Timet Plant in Toronto.

Union Staff Representative for District 1 John Puskar said it's unclear how many steelworkers would be affected by the layoffs. Puskar said the company told the union that slow economic conditions forced them to reduce their workforce. The layoffs were scheduled to start next week.

At the first of the year, Precision Castparts Corp. took over the Timet Plant in Toronto. Puskar said the company is headquartered out of Colorado.

NEWS9's Kelly Camarote spoke to Toronto residents Tuesday after news of the layoffs broke. Clark Francy explained what the plant means to the Gem City.

"It means a lot. Sure it does," said Francy. "I know a lot of people who work there."

Dan Shaffer also expressed concern about the layoffs.

"Timet employs a lot of people in Toronto," said Shaffer. "It's a shame. But it seems to be something that is more and more unavoidable these days."