Batesville Casket Company announced Thursday “plans for a small force reduction in our workforce at our Panola manufacturing facility,” corporate Director of Brand and Marketing Communications Teresa M. Gyulafia said.

“This adjustment, which will take place later in the year, is part of our ongoing strategy to effectively balance the capacity and capabilities of Batesville’s wood manufacturing plants,”  Gyulafia continued in an e-mail statement.

“However, we want to reassure the community that Batesville remains committed to this operation. Our commitment is evidence by plans to invest more than $1 million in facilities and equipment, and to introduce new casket models that are better aligned with Panola’s core manufacturing expertise,” Gyulafia said.

The statement provided no number of workers affected. The company spokesman was unavailable on Friday