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inson o> 'CANADA LTD. Morrison admitted, "because of the long history associated with this plant. It's just like a family." Current product lines are specialized liquid nutritional products including baby formula Enfalac and Boost, both distributed across Canada and internationally. "This decision is part of the company's continuous evaluation to optimize production capacity on a global scale and was made based on the competitive necessity of manufacturing our products at the most efficient manufacturing sites," the statement reads. The announcement stunned workers today. One secretary said: "Things are in a turmoil here," as director of operations Peter Morrison was meeting with workers at the time. The news also comes at a time when the feeling throughout much of the Quinte area has been upbeat, anticipating an end to a long, bitter and job-costing recession at many plants. Morrison said no decision has been made yet as far as the property itself is concerned. A downsizing occurred at the plant about a year ago at which time the work force was trimmed by about 75 jobs. The announcement adds that the international conglomerate's Canadian operations involve a total of 960 employees including Zimmer, ConvaTc, Clairol and Westwood among others, and Mead Johnson will continue to have a sales force across the country with offices in Ottawa and Montreal. Morrison said the Belleville operations will be divided up between several other plants. I _ ·duef Belleville's economic development officer Glenn Walker said the news was "bad news for Belleville," and pledged that his department will work with the company to assist in any way it can. In 1991, the plant had 253 employees, which included 127 in manufacturing and 126 in the office.