Coastal Lumber Company is shutting down its sawmill and kiln operation in Weldon, a company spokesman confirmed this afternoon.

The two plants, which employ approximately 46 people, will close once the last of the logs on the grounds are turned into lumber, said Brad Warrick, vice president for administration of the company. That will be a process that could take anywhere from four to six weeks.

Warrick attributed to the closure to the economy. Asked how long the planning for the closure has been he said, declining to elaborate, “It was brought on by unforeseeable circumstances that occurred.”

The company recently closed two plants West Virginia, he said.

As far as the treatment plant located there, which is not affiliated with Coastal Lumber, that will remain open, as far as Warrick said he was aware.

A source who does contract work for the company said employees came in Wednesday and, “Were told that was it.”

The source said the decision was tied to the timber business being down . “I feel really bad for the guys who worked there. Some of them have been working there since they got out of high school.”