The company said Thursday the layoffs represent about a quarter of its Pooler work force and that the cuts will take place on Friday.

The British-based company opened its only North American plant nine years ago.

John Patterson, chairman and CEO of JCB Inc., said the falling housing market and tightening credit markets has caused construction equipment manufacturers in the U.S. and worldwide to scale back production.

Spokeswoman Karen Guinn said the company has no plans to close the Pooler plant.

The company said affected workers have been given severance packages.