News release, Apr. 10, 2008A

April 10, 2008 ............................................................................. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Labor department will help workers expected to be laid-off at Ball Metal Food & Household in Tallapoosa
ATLANTA State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor will provide assistance to employees who are expected to lose their jobs at Ball Metal Food & Household Company in Haralson County.
Officials of Ball Metal Food & Household have notified the state labor department that the company plans to close its manufacturing facility at 264 Stoffel Dr. in Tallapoosa, affecting 250 workers. The layoffs are expected to begin in June and continue through the remainder of the year. The company manufactures aerosol cans.
"The plant closure at Ball Metal Food & Household will create a difficult situation for the workers and the community," said Commissioner Thurmond, "and I want the workers and their families to know they're not alone in dealing with this difficult situation. Our staff will work closely with the affected employees and with company officials, business and community leaders in determining how to best assist the employees affected by the plant closure."
Thurmond said the labor department's rapid response unit will work with company management and others to discuss a wide range of transitional services available to laid-off workers. These options include: on-site employee information sessions, unemployment compensation, job-search services, retraining options, resources of the labor department's career centers, surveys of workers to determine needs, special workshops on career options and resume writing and interviewing skills.
The Georgia Department of Labor conducts job search workshops, career counseling, and provides resource centers in each office. Some job seekers may also be eligible for occupational/skills training, on-the-job training, General Education Development (GED) preparation and testing, and supportive services such as child-care assistance, transportation assistance and meals while enrolled in full-time training.
The Haralson County area is served by the Georgia Department of Labor's Cedartown Career Center at 321 West Ave. in Cedartown. The telephone number is (770) 749-2213. However, effected workers may get assistance from any of the department's 53 career centers statewide.
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685 CY-08-145