Bennett Lumber mill cuts night shift

PRINCETON, Idaho — Executives at Bennett Lumber Products Inc. say they intend to shut down the night shift at its mill in Princeton, a move that forces the lay off of 35 employees. Vice President Brett Bennett says night-shift workers were informed of the company’s decision earlier this week. The change goes into effect Monday. Dropping the night shift is the latest in a series of cutbacks the company has made in recent years in response to a sagging economy and decreased demand for timber caused by the sluggish housing market. Bennett says there is just too much lumber but not enough houses being built to justify keeping the mill open for a second shift. In 2007, production and plant workers in Princeton were forced to take two weeks off without pay amid poor market conditions.