Cooper Lighting Solutions announced this week it will close its Vicksburg location “in phases” but said employees at its River City operation would be offered opportunities for continued employment with the company.

In a media statement given to industry news agency the Edison Report, a Cooper Lighting Solutions spokesperson said the company made the decision in response to “changes in the lighting industry and marketplace.” 

“Cooper Lighting Solutions has announced it is closing its Vicksburg, Mississippi plant and will begin transitioning the lighting fixture manufacturing handled at the Vicksburg facility to other Cooper Lighting Solutions manufacturing locations,” the company spokesperson said. “The poles operations will transition to regional pole suppliers and company locations. We expect to have no interruption to our service to customers during this transition.”

Cooper Lighting is owned by parent company Signify and provides indoor and outdoor lighting for both homes and businesses. 

Company officials declined further comment Thursday; however, its spokesperson told the Edison Report Vicksburg employees will have “the option to apply for any open positions at other Cooper Lighting Solutions facilities for which they are qualified.”

“This change has affected our workforce in our Vicksburg facility, and we regret the impact to employees. This is always a difficult decision, and we are committed to managing all matters related to the employees affected in a respectful and professional manner. The company has ensured timely notification of employees in compliance with all local and federal laws.  Employees will remain with Cooper Lighting Solutions in phases until the lighting products are transferred, per the project transfer of work plan.”