The Batavia Ford Motor transmission plant will halt production and close at the end of May, 2008.

Last week, Ford announced to its more than 750 employees and concerned county officials that the plant will indeed close, a predicted announcement that has been expected since the winter of 2006.

The final closing of the 27-year-old Ford transmission plant, which opened in 1981, has “saddened” Clermont County officials, said spokesperson Kathy Lehr.

“While we knew this action was coming, we recognize that the situation will be very difficult for many families who will lose their jobs as a result of the closure,” Lehr said in a media statement. “Ford has notified the county that employees at the plant will be let go on or before May 30.”