Duckwall-Alco announced Monday the elimination of 27 jobs in the company's headquarters in Abilene as part of a cost-cutting restructuring plan.

As of January, Duckwall-Alco had a work force of 433 full-time and about 12 part-time workers, both in its warehouse, its retail store in Abilene, and its corporate headquarters, Holland said. Candymaker Russell Stover is Abilene's leading employer with 625 workers.

Holland said Abilene has been experiencing a growth spurt as of late. There are four new residential subdivisions under construction, with more than 100 residential lots in the first phase.

During the past two years, 80 families from Fort Riley have relocated to Abilene.

Retail space is also at a premium, he said. There are just two vacant storefronts downtown.

"We have had a lot of interest in the retail side, retail development," he said. "Usually at 8 percent vacancy it's considered full employment in your retail (businesses). We're much lower than that."

The factor holding back growth of companies in Abilene is the lack of available workers, he said. The community draws workers from both neighboring Saline and Geary counties.

"Most of our companies are adding two or three positions here and there," Holland said. "The internal growth has been pretty positive."

n Reporter David Clouston can be reached at 822-1403 or by e-mail at dclouston@salina.com.