Noranda announces layoffs at New Madrid plant

NEW MADRID — Noranda Aluminum announces the third round of layoffs since early November at its plant in New Madrid.

On Thursday, 50 salaried employees learned their jobs were being eliminated, effective immediately.

Another 54 hourly workers will lose their jobs at the plant by the first quarter of 2009.

Keith Gregston, president and general manager of the New Madrid plant, said the move is due to economic challenges affecting the aluminum industry.

Gregston said all salaried employees will receive severance packages.

Earlier this week management announced that 89 employees would be losing their jobs at the New Madrid facility by the end of the day Wednesday. Thirty-five employees at the facility were laid off Nov. 1.

Thursday's announcement brings the total number who will lose their jobs by early next year to 228.