LAKE MILLS, Iowa — After several delays, employees at Cummins Filtration Plant in Lake Mills have been notified that a final round of layoffs will occur this spring.

Human Resources Manager Beth Nygard confirmed on Friday that the final round of layoffs will happen April 8.

The company first announced in August 2009 that it would be transferring all filter assembly operations in Lake Mills to its facility in San Luis, Potosi, Mexico. That was slated to occur by the end of 2009.

That timeline was later extended to May 2010, December 2010 and then spring 2011. Nygard said the most recent delay was based on increased customer demand and the need to continue providing support to operations.

As of December, the plant employed about 350 people. About 200 workers will be laid off, leaving about 150 employees working at the Lake Mills facility. The total number of workers affected since August 2009 was not available, as Nygard said some workers had been called back throughout the past year and a half.

“This was anticipated, so workers were happy to know the exact date to continue, but obviously it’s still very difficult,” said Nygard.

Nygard said the company has continued to work to accommodate employees and provide what they need as delays have occurred. She said the employees being laid off have been offered a severance package and additional help.

Cummins Filtration is a global filtration, coolant and fuel additive specialist for commercial engine systems. The Lake Mills plant focuses on the assembly of filter operations.

According to statistics from the Lake Mills Chamber Development Corp., about one-fourth of the population of Lake Mills will be, or has already been, affected by the layoffs. The Community Cares Coalition has been formed to help laid off workers and their families with local resources.