Mascot, TN (WOKI) State employment leaders are stepping-in to help more than 200 people find a job after an East Tennessee company announced it’s closing its doors.

EXEDY America told the state it’s laying off 223 workers, all of them at their location in Mascot, and shutting down by spring.

The company’s website indicates at the end of March of last year, they had a total of 384 people employed, signaling a decline already in workforce.

The company makes drive train parts for automakers that include Ford and General Motors.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs gave a statement on the closure, saying the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce is working with the employees.

“Obviously, we never want to see a business close, especially a large, well-established employer. Unfortunately, changes within the automotive market forced EXEDY to discontinue operations here. While this closure means uncertainty for EXEDY’s employees, the folks who work there are highly skilled and would be an attractive addition to many area companies. The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce has already been in contact with the Tennessee Department of Labor to help guide EXEDY’s employees through this process.” – Mayor Glenn Jacobs

Employee layoffs are slated to begin on October 31 this year.