http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-927835.mp3
West Burlington, IA – General Electric's switchgear plant in West Burlington will likely close by the end of next year. The company says 220 employees will be impacted by the decision, which was announced to the plant's employees on Tuesday.
GE spokesman Tom Beckman says the company will now enter a 60 day fact finding period, where it will try to find ways to cut costs.
"The facility will close at the end of next year," said Beckman when asked what will happen if not enough money is found after 60 days. "We'll be transferring operations to another facility, which is under-utilized at this point."
That facility is in North Carolina. Beckman says some employees may be eligible to transfer once the plant closes next year.
A GE news release says about 60% of the plant's 243 employees will be eligible for a retirement package.