Assin Nsuaem-Kyekyewere (C/R), Nov. 2, GNA - The Nyankumasi Ahenkro-based FABI-BRM Woodworks Factory has laid off 700 out of its 1,000-strong employees, as a result of the lack of raw materials. The company, the only manufacturing industry in the recently created Assin South District is the highest tax paying and the highest employer in the District.

Madam Millicent Alice Kuranchie, District Chief Executive, said the factory had already shut down its plywood production section completely and was in the process of closing down the whole industry soon if its request for a timber concession was not met as early as possible. Mad. Kuranchie was swearing in the 32-member Assin South District Assembly at Assin Nsuaem-Kyekyewere on Monday.

The District Chief Executive appealed to the government through Nana Ato-Arthur, Central Regional Minister for a speedy response to the company's application for a timber concession before the matter got out of hand.

She said besides increasing the already high unemployment rate in the area, the closure of the industry would severely affect the new district's tax earnings.

Madam Kuranchie said at the moment, the raw materials problem had reduced the company's production to only 35 percent at the remaining processing units since the closure of the plywood section. Reacting to the DCE's appeal, Nana Ato-Arthur said he would channel the request to the appropriate authorities for action.