Heavy-equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. is closing its Summerville, South Carolina plant, citing a decline in orders for the 280-worker factory. As reported by the Charleston Post and Courier, the move will be a sizable blow to the Charleston region’s manufacturing industry.

The Dorchester County factory tears down, recycles and rebuilds heavy-duty transmissions and related components for original equipment makers, which then resell the parts to aftermarket buyers.

The factory has 255 full-time employees and 25 temporary workers. They were notified of the closing Monday. Full-time staffers will receive severance packages, and the company said it plans to work with agencies that provide employment outplacement services.

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