Iowa’s pain could be Tennessee’s gain.
The Plastics Workers Union and Memphis-based Thomas & Betts Corp. are discussing ways to keep a plant in Clinton, Iowa, open instead of moving its production of electrical outlet boxes to two Tennessee plants.
A decision, affecting about 135 workers, is expected soon, said Tricia Bergeron, vice president, investor and corporate relations.
“We should know by end of this week or early next week,” she said today via e-mail.
Thomas & Betts says demand for the outlet boxes has dropped, and the Tennessee plants — located in Athens and Portland — are nearer its distribution center in northeastern Mississippi.
If the Iowa plant closes, the terminations would take place over several weeks and conclude by Aug. 1.
All full-time employees are eligible for separation pay, based on years of service.
Thomas & Betts has operated the Clinton facility since 2007 when it acquired the Lamson & Sessions Co.
“This is a very difficult decision because it affects the lives of our workers, their families and themunity,” said Tim Coates, vice president of operations, Thomas & Betts Electrical Division.
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