MIDLOTHIAN — Texas Industries, Inc. said slowing demand for cement is forcing it to idle four wet kilns and reduce its workforce by one-third at its Midlothian plant.

TXI spokesman Randy Jones said 90 people will lose their jobs over the next two months as the company cuts production.

This is a temporary action, Jones said, because TXI has a significant amount of inventory with slumping demand in construction, especially residential.

TXI is the largest cement producer in the United States and Midlothian claims to be the "Cement Capital of the World" with several competing plants.

The first of the wet kilns was installed in 1960; a new one was added every four years until 1972.

Jones said this is the second time in 15 years that TXI has had to initiate a workforce reduction.

Employees working for TXI longer than six months will be furloughed, having the option to return at a later date. Those with the company less than six months will be laid off.

E-mail jwhitely@wfaa.com