While the Weyerhaeuser Company has announced it will be cutting its workforce by 22 percent of its salaried jobs, and 17 percent of hourly positions, officials are saying the changes will be better in the long run for Wilcox County, and for the company.

Weyerhaeuser Company will continue to employ about 350 workers at its Pine Hill containerboard operation, and it will remain the county’s largest employer.

That’s good news. Wilcox County is one of the poorest counties in the state and the loss of 79 jobs could be a blow.

It’s important that Weyerhaeuser has made a commitment to stay in the county.

Company officials also said it would support affected employees with transition benefits and will be meeting with employees or their union representatives to discuss the effects of the restructuring.

But these cuts are another indicator that the counties of the Black Belt have to keep their industrial economic base, while thinking outside the box in search of other sources for revenue, such as tourism.