HAWESVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A western Kentucky aluminum plant will reduce production and lay off 120 workers.

Century Aluminum of Kentucky made the announcement about its Hawesville plant Tuesday and said the changes would begin immediately.

Michael Dildine, director of corporate relations for Century Aluminum, told the Messenger-Inquirer of Owensboro that the changes are due to a decline in aluminum prices. Those prices have dropped from $3,300 a metric ton last year to less than $1,300 a metric ton.

Dildine said the company hopes the layoffs at its Hawesville plant will be temporary. He said the plant had about 750 employees.

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