PETROLIA — Laid off workers at the Indspec plant are being called back to work this week.

Dave Dorko, the chemical manufacturer's plant manager, said employees are starting to be called back to work.

"Everyone will be called back by next week," he said.

More than 250 employees were idled in March by the company, which wanted to reduce inventories, especially of resorcinol, an adhesive used in many products including rubber and tires.

The recession, which hit the automobile industry hard, caused Indspec to stockpile the products.

The plant idling reduced Indspec's product, and Dorko said inventory "is back in line."

When Indspec announced the idling of the Petrolia plant, 14 workers chose to retire instead of waiting for the plant to reopen.

Now Dorko said, "We are actively interviewing for several of those positions."

While the plant was down, the company had a few workers tackle several improvement projects.

"When everyone gets back here, we will put on a final surge to complete those projects," Dorko said, adding that some projects need extra manpower to be completed.