Russell Stover laying off 46 workers in Kan. plant

— Russell Stover, Abilene's biggest employer, has announced layoffs affecting 46 employees at its candy manufacturing plant in Abilene.

Officials for the Kansas City, Mo.-based company said Wednesday that employees were notified this week of the layoffs, which affect about 8 percent of the work force.

Robinn Weber, senior vice president for human resources for Russell Stover, said the layoffs were in all different classifications at the plant, where boxed chocolates and novelty products are made. He said the layoffs may be temporary.

The Russell Stover plant had 549 workers before the layoff.