The Schwebel Baking Company announced Monday the closure of its bakery in Solon, Ohio. 

The company made the decision to meet customer demand and remain competitive in the marketplace, to focus its efforts on a core group of products and customers.

The plant employs 204 employees and produces a variety of fresh baked breads and rolls.

Lori Mickholtzick, Director of Human Resources, said the company would consolidate its production in other Schwebel's locations in eastern and western Ohio.

"Decisions like this are always difficult and not easy. The employees in Solon will be given the opportunity to apply for jobs that are open in its other manufacturing and distribution facilities,"  Mickholtzick said.

Outplacement assistance will be made available for all affected employees to aid in their job search.

The company also operates bakeries in areas such as Youngstown, Ohio, and Hebron, Ohio, and distribution centers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia

The company employs over 1,200 people with three bakeries in Ohio.