WILSON, North Carolina (From The Wilson Times) -- About 70 employees are expected to lose their jobs next year when a Voith facility in Wilson closes its doors, company officials said Tuesday.

Voith Paper North America operates a press fabric manufacturing facility in Wilson, but officials said the decreasing demand for press fabrics led to the shuttering of the facility.

"The decision is in no way a reflection of the efforts and commitment of our valued Wilson workforce," Sheryl Zapcic, the director of corporate and market communications, said in a press release. "Quite the contrary, our Wilson-based employees have been productive contributors to the business. Voith will continue to provide the consistent, continued quality and competitive cost structure that customers have come to expect."

According to the release, 55 of the employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union.

"Voith has been a valued member of our manufacturing community for decades," said Wilson Economic Development Executive Director Jennifer Lantz. "We appreciate their contributions to the Wilson community and will greatly miss the company."

Officials said closure will happen in stages with the transition of production starting in January. The plant will be closed in April or May, but employees reportedly will receive severance and other benefits.

"Voith's workforce has a tremendous reputation for production skills and work ethics, attributes which will help them succeed in our job market," Lantz said.

Voith is a global company with 16 facilities in the United States, including one in Raleigh. Zapcic said Wilson is the only site slated to close.