Osage City ? An Osage City builder of modular homes and multifamily structures has suspended operations, saying the economy and harsh winter left it without enough work to continue.

Kan Build Inc. announced that it would suspend operations immediately, costing 78 workers their jobs.

Company spokesman Quintin Robert said on Friday that the move was prompted by a long housing recession, a sharp reduction in new home financing and the harsh winter.

Robert told The Emporia Gazette that Kan Build hopes to receive enough orders or a new financial partner to return to work in early spring.

In 2001, the company had three production facilities and nearly 500 employees, with combined sales of nearly $30 million.