Greenville(WZZM)-Hundreds of Montcalm County workers will soon face temporary lay-offs at two United Solar Ovonic plants in Greenville.
Starting next week hundreds of workers will be furloughed for 4 weeks. The news has some local businesses concerned. Montcalm County already has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
At Glenkerry golf course in Greenville, Manager Jim Hoisington, doesn't know what to expect. "It was very unfortunate to hear because we've heard that all too often around Montcalm County."
The furlough will affect about 425 workers. "It's definitely a concern. I know they like to golf too. If they're laid off, they're not going to do that", says Hoisington.
The news came as a surprise to some. Uni Solar was supposed to be a savior for the community, providing much needed jobs after Electrolux left town back in 2006. "That was kind of the hope around this area when Electrolux and other plants left. That we would have an employer that's coming around to restore some employment."
In downtown Greenville, it's an added challenge. Small businesses are already hurting due to the economy. At Huckleberry's, the owner, Mike Huckleberry, is both a business owner and a State Representative. He calls the Solar Ovonics furlough a "hiccup". "They just made a huge investment in our community. There's no reason to panic. They wouldn't make that investment if they didn't think they would have a long term future here", says Huckleberry.
As for the 425 workers, they will start their Furlough, on May 17th. At Glenkerry golf course, Jim Hoisington says they'll keep their prices low. That way, those who are furloughed, can enjoy some of their "un-paid" time off.
The furlough is expected to save the company $6 million dollars for this quarter. A company spokesperson says they are taking these steps to manage production volumes due to uncertain near-term demand.
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