OXFORD – Burlington Homes of Maine is laying off 10 to 12 employees as it awaits orders and weathers a nationwide crisis affecting the home mortgage industry.

“It’s a small layoff, 10 to 12 people,” said Frank Sweetser, Burlington’s general manager, who was reached by phone at his home late Wednesday night.

Sweetser said Burlington, a maker of manufactured homes, employees about 80 people in total, including salespeople and others.

Glenn Hodgdon of Oxford, Burlington’s production manager, said by phone that the plant will be closing for four to six weeks. During that time salespeople will be taking orders and the facility will gear up to resume production in late January or early February.

Both men said the manufactured housing industry goes through seasonal cycles where employment levels can fluctuate. Sweetser noted the mortgage industry crisis, which is tied to creative loans made to people who don’t always have stellar credit, has also affected demand locally.

The town of Oxford also is home to Keiser Industries and Oxford Homes. Both make manufactured homes like Burlington.