Argentine cement producer Loma Negra has announced it will close its Sierras Bayas plant, the oldest cement production facility in the country.

The plant, which is a century old, operated as a grinding and dispatch facility since 2001, when a domestic downturn in the market led to the shutdown of its kiln. While two years ago, Sierras Bayas employed 100 workers, now there are only 22 left, in addition to 23 that supply services to the works. Sierras Bayas provided employment to around 1800 employees four decades ago.

“In the last few years, Sierras Bayas reduced its operation from three to two shifts, and after to the only shift that is currently operating at the plant. The objective is to continue relocating as many people as possible, so that the closure of the operation at some time this year will generate the least impact on our people and the community,” according to Loma Negra.