QUITO, Reuters General Motors39; factory in Ecuador will shutter production on Friday amid pressure from local competitors, but will still sell vehicles in the Andean country.

The Cadillac and Chevrolet maker said in April it would close its production operations in Ecuador and neighboring Colombia.

General Motors39; OBB plant in Quito accounts for 51 of car production in Ecuador.

The factory39;s 320 workers fear for their livelihoods. Ecuador39;s unemployment in the first quarter of the year was 4.1, according to official figures.

I have mixed feelings I39;m welding my last truck for General Motors in Ecuador, said welding team leader Antonio Oramas, who joined the plant in 2004. It will affect us a lot. Not all of us will have the same opportunity for a new job.

Reporting by Alexandra Valencia Writing by Oliver Griffin Editing by Sandra Maler

Source Reuters