The surprise revelation came this past week with no warning to the employees, most showing up to work to find they did not have jobs. Others were given an option to work a few more days. It is believed none were given severance.

Omega Apparel has been a staple in Smithville since opening its doors in 1994 and the closure comes as a major surprise since the company was awarded an $8.2 million government contract just last year to make pants for the Department of Defense. The manufacturing plant also made numerous other items in addition to filling the government contract, producing parkas, Navy dress blues and skirt uniforms.

Employees of the manufacturer, under promise of anonymity, said they believed the reason for the plant shut down had to do with a heavy debt incurred by the company. Omega Apparel has no official comment about their abrupt closure.