Closure of two companies means loss of about 500 jobs in Muskogee

Zapata Industries in Muskogee has ceased operations, leaving about 200 people out of work.<br><br>The bottle cap manufacturer had laid off about 140 people on October 1st.<br><br>Union and state work force

Saturday, October 18th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Zapata Industries in Muskogee has ceased operations, leaving about 200 people out of work.

The bottle cap manufacturer had laid off about 140 people on October 1st.

Union and state work force officials tried to address questions yesterday from employees about what to do after losing their jobs on short notice.

Zapata is moving its production to Mexico to cut costs.

Besides Zapata, Waterloo Industries has also announced it will close its Muskogee plant by December 2004.

The Greater Muskogee Development Corporation says Waterloo employed about 350 people at its peak in 2002. The company makes tool storage products.