The Cargill plant in Albert Lea laid off about 15 workers on Wednesday, according to the plant manager.

Cargill’s Albert Lea Complex Manager Maria Wedel said, “There is never a good time to lay off people-especially valued employees.”

She added, “We were hoping business conditions would improve more quickly than they have, affording us the option to avoid this action.”

No additional layoffs are planned at the Albert Lea facility at this time.

Cargill says it “remains committed to the Albert Lea facility and will continue to support the community.”

The Cargill plant in Albert Lea produces beef products under the Schweigert name. the privately owned company bought the Schweigert plant in April 2008.

Cargill on Dec. 2 announced in a press release it would reduce its workforce over six months by up to 2,000 out of its 138,000 employees around the world. Affected employees, it said, would receive severance and support.

The company said these actions are in response to the continued weak global economy and are part of an overall effort to reduce expenses and simplify work processes.