EL DORADO, Ark. (AP) — Citing "unfriendly" government regulations, an El Dorado electrical cable manufacturer is laying off 40 workers.

AmerCable Inc. began voluntary layoffs last week and continued with involuntary layoffs this week, bringing to 40 the number of local workers affected.

AmerCable President and CEO Bob Hogan says the company is reallocating some of its resources to take advantage of international markets in the Pacific Rim and in South America.

Hogan said increased government regulation, mandates and taxes are pressuring businesses like his.

Based in El Dorado since 1978, AmerCable develops and manufactures electrical cable products, many of which are used in the mining industry.

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Information from: El Dorado News-Times, http://www.eldoradonews.com