NEWS 25 - WEHT: Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro-GE Plans to Close Owensboro Plant

GE Plans to Close Owensboro Plant

posted by Ian Connor

OWENSBORO, KY – NEWS 25 learns General Electrics is planning on shutting down its plant in Owensboro, KY.

GE announced their intent Friday morning to close the plant that manufactures industrial motors by October 31, 2010.

The plant employs 109 workers.

Plant Manager Bob Riley said the plant is closing because of higher inflation costs and decreased product demand.

Officials told us more than 50% of plant employees will be eligible to get retirement with benefits and pensions. They said there is also a $16,000 cash bonus for those you volunteer to retire early.  GE said they would try to find other opportunities at other company plants for those being laid off.

GE told us the union that represents the plant workers can request to talk to GE within the next 60 days about cost saving alternatives to save the plant.

The plant started making motors in 1977 and employed nearly 500 workers.