THESE ARE very prosperous times at Ormet Corp.’s Hannibal plant. They are also very perilous times.

The aluminum producer has enjoyed an amazing economic renaissance the last few years. It wasn’t very long ago the Monroe County facility was thought to be en route to extinction.

That was then, this is now.

Now is marked by increased production, lower operating costs and an upswing in profits. A healthy Ormet is critical to the well-being of the Ohio Valley, especially Monroe County.

Nearly 900 union employees are currently working and all six potlines are operating. Such prosperity was only a pipe dream back in 2004 when the company filed for bankruptcy protection.

However, storm clouds are now brewing over Ormet’s rosy picture. They came in the form of a possible strike.

The last thing any company needs is a work stoppage, but at Ormet it takes on added significance.

The ownership and the union have a good thing going. A real good thing when you factor in how far this plant has come in seven years, a virtual Lazurus scenario.

That may all suddenly and unfortunately change. That is because union employees have overwhelmingly rejected a five-year contract offer this week.

Uncertainty now pervades Ormet.

Company officials have extended the current contract to June 9. The extension is a positive sign but still leaves precious little time to avert a strike.

We are not privy to contract details or the stumbling blocks to an agreement. We do know, however, no one wins with a strike.

Ormet Corp. has come way too far to take a potentially damaging step backward.

We implore that cooler heads prevail and that a harmonious accord can be agreed upon before June 9.