Officials at Bush Hog in Selma have announced the company will lay off 154 people.

Duane Prentice, president of Bush Hog, said only about 46 employees who work in production are directly affected. The remaining number of employees are in management and support.

Prentice said the decision to lay off these employees was extremely difficult and carefully considered. “These employees have been loyal members of the Bush Hog family,” he said.

He said the company is saddened to have to let go hardworking individuals and regrets the frustration the announcement will cause for them and their families.

“The decision to restructure Bush Hog’s workforce was unavoidable for the company to remain successful and is part of a reorganization plan we believe is necessary to make the company leaner and a more competitive and viable business into the future,” Prentice said.

Bush Hog management is taking steps to support those employees losing their jobs, including helping them with outplacement services.