Local automotive supplier layoffs

A local automotive supplier is laying off more than a hundred workers. Magna Exteriors and Interiors will slash jobs after the first of the year. Three years ago the company announced a collaboration with Chrysler, operating its paint shop at Toledo's south assembly plant. Now Magna Exteriors and Interiors is cutting its workforce.

Eric Walker from The Source says, "Unfortunately Magna has probably been hard hit by the auto industry and the layoffs in conjunction with the big three."

Eric Walker is the director of workforce development at The Source. He says he wasn't surprised when the part supplier contacted the agency about the layoffs.

"These are tough times. We did not know all of our parts and supplier plants that may be contacting us but we are well poised to offer rapid response opportunities."

One of those opportunities is a $3,000 grant for short term training. It will help some employees enter another field so they can start getting another pay check. County commissioner Tina Skeldon-Wozniak says the county is already taking steps to help the employees at Magna.

"In January there will be a session downtown at The Source for the workforce at Magna to begin looking at the benefits available to them," says Tina Skeldon-Wozniak.

We tried to talk to Magna officials and employees this afternoon but a note states the plant will be closed until after the holiday. We are told exact dates of the layoffs have not been determined but will begin no earlier than January 5th. Source officials say they will meet with Magna employees in three weeks to determine what can be done to help them get back into the work force.

Get more Local »

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•