FreightCar America Laying Off 254 in Danville

FreightCar America Inc. has filed notice with the state of Illinois that it will lay off more than 250 people at its plant in Danville.

The Chicago-based rail car manufacturer says in the notice published online by the state it will permanently lay off 254 employees at the plant between April 18 and May 2.

Companies are required by law to notify the state of mass layoffs.

It wasn't immediately clear how many people work at the plant. FreightCar America laid off almost 200 of the plant's then-250 workers in 2009.

Company officials did not respond to calls Tuesday from The Associated Press.

Vermilion Advantage President Vicki Haugen said the company is among the 25 largest local employers.