KENDUSKEAG -- A log home manufacturer in Kenduskeag is shutting down its production facility in January and February and temporarily laying off a dozen production employees because of the slowdown in the housing market.

Northeastern Log Homes owner Jonathan French said it's the first such shutdown in the company's 36-year history.

French said about a dozen sales employees will continue working through the winter, which is the company's slowest season.

Northeastern Log Homes designs and manufactures log home kits that are shipped to customers.

French said he expects to see clear signs of an economic recovery at the end of next year.