By Ron Capshaw
Contributing writer

From the age of Reagan to the 21st century, the Luck Stone Powhatan plant seemed like a permanent fixture in the area. Begun in 1985, the plant played a large role in the development of Chesterfield and Powhatan counties. The extension of Interstate 288 further bolstered it.

All of this smacked into the reality of the financial crisis when Luck Stone was forced to lay off or reassign 17 percent of its workforce on November 12. That percent equates into 150 people affected. This reduction has occurred in two of its four facilities. The first one crushed stone used in roads; the second sold man-made stone for landscaping, residential and business projects.

The company employed 900 people before the cuts.

President and CEO Charlie Luck said about the layoffs: “These people have and will be our greatest asset, and this has been an extremely difficult decision and one made after exhausting all other cost-cutting options. It’s the most difficult thing I’ve had to do in my career.”

Luck said he doesn’t see the economic slowdown ending any time soon.

“Our company is 85 years old, and the depth and length of this one is unlike anything I’ve seen before,” he said. “Within our company, we project that 2009 will be the lowest year in the cycle, then there will be a flat year in 2010. We expect 2011 to be the first year of sustainable growth.”

The recent layoffs are spread among 30 locations in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, said Linda S. Tissiere, Luck’s corporate communications director.

The company gave separation packages to affected employees and set up a resource center to provide benefit and financial details. Tips about interviewing, resume writing and job hunting will be provided, Tissiere said.

—Amy Condra of the Goochland Gazette contributed to this story