Knife River Corporation, a mining and aggregate subsidiary of Montana-Dakota Utilities, says it has eliminated four salaried office jobs because of the economy.

Knife River is located in North Dakota and in 13 other states. It is one of the 10 largest aggregate producers in the country and one of only three that remain American-owned.

President Derek Shaffer said the company had weathered adverse conditions, but recently started to experience an economic downtown in local markets. The reductions were aimed at making the company leaner and were all made at the salaried level to not compromise product delivery and service, he said.

Shaffer said he will manage Knife River's Ready-Mix division, with assistance from Art Thomas. Rob Krom will lead Knife River's aggregate and construction divisions, and Darla Miller will manage assets and accounts.

Shaffer said the company does not project any additional staff reductions and that this week's action to streamline its administrative structure should position the company for the future.

"We are a strong company with the financial backing of an even stronger parent company," he said. "We will continue to look for ways to remain competitive in our market."