A major manufacturer in Barrie told its employees and the city today that it's moving in a new direction in North America.

And it's looking for a buyer for its Barrie plant.

The Yachiyo plant on Mapleview Drive, which employs 350 people, had notified staff in September it might be downsizing.   At that time it said it had no plans to close and that there would be no changes in operations until 2015.

However the city confirms today the company told them its plans were changing.  Late today the company also confirmed it has the plant up for sale.

City officials say they will work with the company to try to save these manufacturing jobs.   The company has given no time line yet for its plans or the future of its employees.