Thirty-three employees at GE Consumer & Industrial's plant in Mebane will be laid off, officials said Thursday.

Employees were told Thursday of the change, which company executives blamed on a "continuing decline in orders from customers for the types of electrical distribution products made at the plant."

Human Resources Manager Billy Futch said employment numbers will be cut by 53 positions, but attrition and early retirement options mean only 33 people will be affected.

Futch said the plant has cut back on costs, but it has not been enough.

"As the economic recession continues, and as customer orders continue to drop, we have no choice but to reduce our capacity because we manufacture custom electrical equipment to specific customer applications and orders. We have searched for alternatives, but in the end, our capacity must be addressed," he said.

Futch said GE provides comprehensive benefits and income protection including financial assistance based on length of service; medical and life insurance coverage for up to one year from layoff for affected employees and their covered dependents; thousands of dollars for education and retraining; and job placement assistance.

The Mebane plant manufactures products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment and supplies products and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications. About 200 people are currently employed at the facility.