BUTLER, Ky. (AP) -- A mine and lime plant in northern Kentucky has laid off 43 employees since last month.

The facility near Butler in Pendleton County is owned by Pittsburgh-based Carmeuse Lime & Stone.

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Philip Johnson said that the facility laid off 34 workers in early April and nine more this month.

The Black River Kentucky plant produces lime that is used for industrial applications in businesses such as the steel industry. Johnson notes the steel industry has been devastated this year and said Carmeuse had to reduce production capacity.

The Butler plant is still operating but at a lower capacity. Vice President of Operations Carroll Laufmann says it will employ about 160.