PITTSFIELD - Nearly 150 people will lose their jobs when a shoe factory in Pittsfield closes.

SAS Shoemakers blames a reduced demand for penny loafers and other styles produced in the central Maine plant for the closing, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of the summer.

The San Antonio-based company says it makes sense to move the Maine production to the its expanded facilities in Texas.

A spokeswoman says the company’s not abandoning the Maine jobs, but it’s transferring them to Texas.

SAS plans to lay off groups of workers starting the week of April 14. Some Maine employees may receive transfer offers.