HAYS, Kansas – One of the largest employers in Hays is closing its doors.
After seven years of business in Hays, NEW told its 280 employees on Tuesday that it will be closing at the end of March.
The call center is currently the fifth largest employer in Hays.
"It was a very, very difficult position, one I can honestly say we agonized over for quite some time," said Terri Feely, Senor Vice President of Human Resources.
"It's unfortunate for our community to see a company closing its doors and potentially laying off its employees," said Aaron White, Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development.
Company officials said drastic measures had to be taken because they haven't been able to find enough workers. The business hasn't been at full staffing levels since opening its doors in 2004.
It's the result of the extremely low 2.9% unemployment rate in Hays.
"We have not been able to maximize full capacity," said Feely.
"For us, it is an unfortunate event but I think our focus needs to be to look ahead and see how we can ultimately turn this into an opportunity for Hays," said White.
NEW plans to offer work-at-home opportunities to most of its current employees affected by the closure so there won't be many lost jobs.
"It's very important to us to maintain that relationship because we will continue to be here and we will continue to be a thriving employer in the area," said Feely.
The company says operations will continue as normal until the doors close March 31.
