GOV. EASLEY DEPLOYS RAPID RESPONSE TEAM TO ASSIST HATTERAS WORKERS
Hubert Plant's Closure to Affect 200 Employees in Onslow County

RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley announced today that a Rapid Response Team from the N.C. Department of Commerce is being deployed to the Hatteras plant in Hubert in Onslow County. The company has announced it is closing manufacturing operations there, which will affect approximately 200 workers. The company said the exact timing of the plant closure has not been determined but layoffs will begin March 17, with the company anticipating that operations will cease between June 13 and 17.

“I have directed the Rapid Response Team to begin immediately working with Hatteras and local employment partners to minimize the amount of time people are out of work,” Easley said. “We are committed to providing assistance to help these hardworking residents either find new jobs or receive additional training to become more competitive in today’s global marketplace.”

The Commerce Department’s Division of Employment and Training has already talked with the company to start determining what services are needed. A formal meeting with company managers will be held next week. Meetings with employees will follow.  The layoffs in Hubert will not affect Hatteras employees in New Bern.

The Rapid Response Team helps coordinate transitional services for employees who have lost their jobs due to a layoff or facility closure. Services may include job search and placement assistance, career counseling, labor market information and assessment of skills and needs. The team consists of representatives from state and local agencies, including the local work force development board, the Employment Security Commission and the N.C. Community College System. 

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