A hard hit for the local economy…. Cabinetworks Group is closing its Thompsontown assembly plant, resulting in the layoff of hundreds of employees… that according to a company announcement. The plant, the largest employer in Juniata County, will shut down on December 12. Jeff Jackson, the company’s CEO, cited a downturn in the housing market as the reason behind the closure. This move follows recent layoffs at the Thompsontown facility and the earlier shutdown of two Texas plants. Cabinetworks Group operates 24 locations with brands like KraftMaid and Merillat. The company will now try to streamline operations and adapt to the difficult economy and rapidly changing market conditions.