Nordanda announces more layoffs at its New Madrid plant

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Noranda Aluminum President Keith Gregston says additional layoffs are expected at the plant in New Madrid.

According to a press release sent out this morning by the plant's corporate

office, 228 employees will lose their jobs. The release doesn't specify whether

that number was part of the 124 who have lost their jobs since early

November, and the Southeast Missourian was unable to obtain immediate clarification from plant management.

These reductions will occur during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first

quarter of 2009, according to the press release.

"We are sensitive to the impact this will have on affected employees, their

families and the communities in which they live and work," said Layle K. Smith, chief executive officer and president of Noranda, in a written statement. "As hard as these decisions were to make, it is critical that we react to the current economic environment and control our costs, improve our productivity and continue to provide quality products at a competitive value.

"We remain committed to our customers, communities, co-workers and investors, striving to build sustainable relationships that will endure for years to come," he continued. "We must, therefore, achieve success in the short-term to build towards our long-term future."

Look for additional information later in the day at semissourian.com and in Friday's print edition of the Southeast Missourian.