AZZ Galvanizing is closing its plant in Benwood.

Police Chief Frank Longwell says 22 employees have been laid off. Longwell tells media outlets that armed security guards notified the workers as they arrived at the plant last week that their employment had been terminated. Longwell says his office was asked to provide a police presence for the layoffs.

AZZ Galvanizing declined to comment about the layoffs.

Benwood’s mayor says he was surprised and disappointed by the news. He hopes another company will buy the plant and rehire its workers.