About 200 workers with WireCo World Group are having their hours reduced.

All workers at the wire rope factory in St. Joseph have had their work load decreased, which essentially creates a 32-hour work week for employees. David Hornaday, senior vice president of administration, said the shortened week is an alternative to laying off workers.

“We’ve got a lot of talented local people and we want to keep them employed,” he said.

In addition, WireCo will shut down for one week at the end of June to clear out inventory and allow for plant maintenance. WireCo plants in Sedalia and Chillicothe have already scaled back hours.

“At this point, we’re just responding to the business climate,” Mr. Hornaday said.

Demand for wire rope has softened worldwide, especially in the oil and gas exploration industries, he said.

WireCo hopes to restore the workers to a 40-hour week when business conditions improve.

“That would be our hope as soon as possible,” Mr. Hornaday said.

St. Joe Now reporter Bob Heater contributed to this report.