(11/10/06) ORANGE - As word spread about the upcoming closure of West Haven's Bayer Corporation factory, the community agreed the impact would extend far beyond those laid off.

Bayer announced Thursday the German pharmaceutical company will relocate jobs to Germany and New Jersey after more than 30 years of operation in West Haven. More than 1,000 workers will lose their jobs just as the holiday shopping season begins. Bayer was the largest employer in the West Haven and Orange area.

Local storeowners say the move saddens them for two reasons. First, they feel sorry for their friends soon facing unemployment. Second, profits for local shops will likely drop dramatically this season, as disposable income becomes scarce for many.