MISSOULA, Mont. — An eastern Montana sugar beet refinery is shutting down production after nearly a century in business.

The Billings Gazette reported the factory in Sidney will close in April due to a drop in sugar beet farming.

Rep. Matt Rosendale responded to the recent report and said the factory played a large part in surrounding communities for over 100 years. He mentioned that the closure would leave 300 people in the small Montana town without a job and cost the region millions of dollars in economic production.

The following was released from Rep. Matt Rosendale’s Office:

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“I am disappointed to hear that American Crystal will be closing the Sidney factory after the conclusion of this year’s campaign,” said Rep. Rosendale. “The factory and sugar beet industry have been a large part of Sidney and the surrounding communities for over 100 years. The loss of 300 jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact will certainly be a detriment to our entire region. I am hopeful that this will not be a permanent closure and production can continue in the future.”

You can read the rest of the story here. by NBC Montana Staff