North Louisiana glass plant that received millions in tax incentives laying off up to 227 workers

A north Louisiana glass plant that received millions in tax incentives as part of a Jindal-era economic development deal to retain its workforce is planning to lay off up to 227 employees, cutting the facility’s capacity roughly in half.

The company, the Ardagh Group, cites a growing plastics market that is cutting into many of the food product lines made at its facility in Simsboro, near Ruston, where it makes glass jars and bottles for brands including Tabasco, Smucker’s, Tito’s Vodka, and Seagram.

Plant manager Chris DeCerbo said the firm is working to find new business to stave off the cuts, but added it would take “providence” to prevent the layoffs.

DeCerbo and the Louisiana Workforce Commission said the total number of layoffs could end up being less than 200. Around 450 people currently work at the plant, more than the 350 workers the facility needs to employ to stay in compliance with its deal with the state.

Read more: http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/article_1e594384-731d-11e8-8035-7b4fdff7eb1a.html