Hundreds Of Workers To Lose Their Jobs

By Craig Day, News On 6

PRYOR, OK -- Labinal, the largest employer at the Mid America Industrial Park in Pryor, is closing which means nearly 500 workers will soon lose their jobs.

Labinal makes up roughly 10% of the workforce at the Mid America Industrial Park. It's a tough loss for workers, their families and the area economy.

Labinal company leaders say they've been studying closing the Pryor plant for some time. CEO Norman Jordan says shutting down is their best and only real solution.

"It comes down to the fact that we just don't have a plant that is able to turn a profit today or in the future, based on our analysis, will it be able to do that," said Jordan.

Labinal, which builds electrical systems for the aerospace industry, will begin layoffs in 60 days. Less than a dozen workers, who are salaried, will be offered positions at facilities in Texas and Mexico.

Sanders Mitchell is the Industrial Park Administrator.

"We'll I'm obviously shocked.  They're a good neighbor and good participant in the park for 10 years," said Mitchell.

Company leaders say the decision to close the plant in Pryor wasn't prompted by recent problems in the economy and isn't related to the recent Boeing strike.

The facility in Pryor had experienced difficulties in the past with layoffs after September 11th, but had hired many of those employees back over the past few years.  Company leaders say they just simply couldn't make the Pryor facility profitable.

Employees will get career counseling, job placement services, continued medical coverage and some other benefits until their release date.

"It's going to definitely depend on the position in the factory, but also the duration in time we're asking them to stay on and give us their support," said Jordan.

Labinal is the Mid America Industrial Park's largest employer.

"I certainly hope they can.  I hope they can stay right here in this community not leave," said Mitchell.

The layoffs will be done in four stages with the plant closing for good by the end of next April.

The Mid America Industrial Park says it will also hold a job fair to help the laid off workers find jobs in the area.