Mueller Industries in Fulton has reduced its workforce by 12 percent, according to a company official.

According to Michael Simmerman, Fulton plant manager of Mueller Copper Tube, the company reduced the number of employees at its Fulton location by 37 people Monday. The company currently employs 270 people.

This is the second workforce reduction for the plant this year, with 19 employee layoffs in September due to “declines in residential and commercial construction activity,” according to Simmerman.

He said the reduction procedure is defined by Mueller’s agreement with the union.

“Employees are included in a reduction based on their years of service, beginning with the least senior [newest] employees,” Simmerman said.

Simmerman said that Fulton’s layoffs are a reflection of this industry slump.

“Our industry has experienced up and down cycles throughout the decades we have been in Itawamba County. Our focus at this moment is to efficiently operate at current demand levels with our remaining 270 employees. If business conditions improve, we will increase the workforce as necessary.”

Mueller Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of copper tube and fittings; brass and copper alloy rod, bar and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; plastic fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; and fabricated tubular products. Mueller opened its first Fulton plant in 1971.

Adam Armour can be reached at 862-3141, by e-mailing adam.armour@itawamba360.com or by visiting his blog at itawamba360.com.