NEWARK, OH (WCMH) – A local American treasure has gone out of business, shutting down after decades of making hand-made baskets.

The Longaberger Company, a name known across Central Ohio, has apparently ceased operations.

Consultants surprised by the news told to stop taking customer orders. Former employee James Kirkbride said he’s sad to see it go.

“They’ve been there a lot of years. I’ve talked to a lot of people who worked there for 20, 30 years. And it’s. You know, what do you do,” said James Kirkbride.

Calls to the company’s headquarters have gone unanswered.