Another layoff at Columbia's Schneider Electric plant as some 70 workers will lose their jobs by the end of next year.

The company started informing employees on its three shifts Wednesday.

Formerly known as Square D, Schneider Electric will move the jobs to a plant in Tlaxcala, Mexico. It is one of several Schneider Electric plants in the country. 

The company has steadily reduced its workforce over the past decade. Columbia's Regional Economic Development Corporation, REDI, lists Schneider Electric as Boone County's 19th largest employer.  

The plant at 4800 Paris Road makes circuit breakers and currently employs 335 people. 

In a news release, the company says it says it will offer employees full assistance, which includes severance pay, benefits and help finding another job.

Corporate spokesman Marty Hanna says the employees being let go are hourly workers. He says the number of people let go could change if market conditions change in the next 18 months.

In past layoffs, employees have received money for housing and schooling.