By Carolyn Reid
FALMOUTH — Hammer Strength, an athletic equipment manufacturer that has been located just south of Falmouth for the last 30 years, announced to its employees last week that it plans to close its plant here in July.
One of Pendleton County’s largest manufacturers, Hammer Strength employs 120 people and provides approximately $60,000 per year in taxes to the county, according to District 4 Magistrate Rick Mineer.
The reported plan is to merge the Falmouth plant at 188 Hammer Drive with a sister plant in Minnesota.
Mineer said he heard about the closure mid-week, and he contacted the judge to begin discussions with the company.
More information will be reported as it becomes available.
The Hammer Strength/Life Fitness company builds equipment such as weight benches, squat racks, cable machines and other exercise equipment.