While Longwall was able to reach company human resources spokeswoman Mary Cambrone for comment on the layoffs, the length of the furloughs was not clear.

The impacted employees were informed of the layoffs earlier this month. According to a recent government filing by the Wisconsin-based company those layoffs will go into effect July 20.

“Our customers are facing an unstable market due to competition from natural gas suppliers, lower domestic demands of coal and decreasing coal prices,” Cambrone said.

“However, based on our current planning and production schedules we will be temporarily overstaffed.”

According to state records the facility in Martin County, near Louisville employs 176 workers.

The equipment maker confirmed that, despite the cutback, it will be business as usual.

“Joy is unclear as to the length of this down market, but we will continue working to bring as many products into our plant as possible to negate the effect this will have on our workforce and the community,” Cambrone said.

The Lebanon facility is a Joy Center of Excellence for the manufacturing of shuttle cars and battery haulers. It also offers various motor rebuild and repair services.