HASTINGS - One furlough expires, another one takes effect.

That was the situation at Premium Protein Products plants in Lincoln and Hastings Wednesday as the management of the meatpacking business looks at ways to get back into production.

The most recent recording on the company's employee telephone line cited "active and ongoing discussions" - apparently with potential new business partners - as a reason for the fourth in a series of furloughs that will extend the idled status of about 250 workers in Hastings and another 60 in Lincoln until at least July 28.

Those calling the number Wednesday were advised to check back then for "further instructions."

Premium Protein's Hastings focus is on beef slaughtering and processing operations. The Lincoln plant also does processing on cattle slaughtered in Hastings.

The first unpaid furlough took effect June 10.

Premium Protein officials in Lincoln and majority owner and private equity partner Matlin Patterson in New York have not responded to repeated requests for information about the plants' status.

Premium Protein specializes in identity-preserved meat with labels that show its origin all the way back to the producer.

Outside analysts have suggested that the company may not be able to keep prices high enough to cover the higher overhead costs that go with that approach in a weak economy.