HAMPSHIRE COUNTY'S "SUCKING SOUND"

(08/17/2005)
A Hampshire County company is joining dozens of other WV outfits that have moved abroad to operate.

It is the giant "sucking sound," widely promoted by the US government.

Thirty-nine workers will lose their jobs at Phoenix Mecano by the end of the year.

The company says it is moving the jobs overseas to Hungary and China.

The company opened its Hampshire County plant in 1999, occupying the former Kinney Shoe factory that had closed the previous year.

Kinney Shoes, which at one time had several plants in WV, joined the exodus after the business had financial problems.

Phoenix Mecano builds component parts for the machine-building, electrical, and electronic industries. It also manufactures motor drives for adjustable beds and chairs.