The Uttermost Co., a family-owned business headquartered in Franklin County, laid off an unspecified number of employees this week.

Uttermost manufactures and distributes home accessories. Products have included mirrors, lamps, mass-produced framed art, vases, urns and other goods.

Mac Cooper, president and chief executive officer, provided few details about the layoffs, saying that the number of employees affected was "less than 25."

"We had our first real layoff in 34 years this past Tuesday," Cooper wrote in an e-mail. "Obviously, we didn't do this lightly or without great thought, as it's painful for all."

The company needed to adjust to current market conditions, he said.

"Between the economic downturn and the fact that May and June are historically our slowest months, we decided to make these cuts," Cooper said. "When the economy recovers, we are likely to begin hiring again."

He would not say how many employees remain with the company, which was founded in 1975 by Bob and Belle Cooper.

-- Duncan Adams