<![CDATA[Ariens Co. said Thursday it will close its manufacturing plant in Opp., Ala. The plant, which is about 80 miles south of Montgomery, Ala., employs 17 people, and will continue operating until July 26. The company in statement said work from the plant will be absorbed by its facilities in Brillion and Auburn, Neb. The company, which makes snow throwers and other power equipment, said employees will provided severance packages and outplacement assistance. Customers should not see an impact on product delivery, the company said. Ariens has operated the facility since 2006 when it acquired Locke Turf company, a manufacturer of reel mowers and specialty turf equipment.