Reported by: Richard ChilesWeb produced by: Ian PreuthIt is a sad and emotional day for workers at the Batavia Ford transmission plant as the facility will shut its doors for the final time Friday.
Many workers who thought they'd retire from the plant now find themselves in a difficult transition.
Closing the plant means almost 800 workers will be without jobs on Saturday.
The closure had been in the works for about a year, but it was Monday that employees were told Friday would be their last day.
Since the plant opened in 1980, five million transmissions have rolled off the assembly line floor.
Twenty five hundred employees used to walk through the turnstiles at the plant every day. Now, empty spots can be seen all over the parking lot.
The loss of these jobs and this industry will effect many people far beyond the soon to be empty building on Front Wheel Drive.
About 800 people will lose their jobs at the end of the day. Other businesses will also suffer from the closing.
"You got people that come from all over to go to work so its not going to only just our business, people in the area plus people from miles away. It will be an impact on everybody," said Mike Arnold.
Workforce transition has been helping workers find new jobs.
Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud said, "Ford has been good to a lot of people along the way. Those who aren't able to transition to Sharonville, and find a new career we want them to know we're there for them, to help them with a new job, new training. We're there for them."
The goal now will be to help those who now find themselves locked out of Ford's gates.
