FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) -- A Dallas-based food company says it will close a South Carolina dairy plant in October, eliminating 151 jobs.

The Morning News of Florence reported that Dean Foods said in a news release last week that it would phase out production over the next two months.

The nation's largest milk maker reported its earnings fell sharply in the second quarter and stock analysts said the company needs to reduce the amount of milk it makes to cut costs.

Dean Foods has about 100 dairies nationwide and in the past few years has closed plants in Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Florence County reported a jobless rate of 11.1 percent in June.

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Information from: Morning News, http://www.scnow.com

Copyright 2010 The AP.