Nixon addresses Noranda jobs concern during Kennett visit
Thursday, November 20, 2014
While in Kennett last Thursday to address Kennett High School students, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon took time to answer questions about Noranda Aluminum's thus-far unsuccessful attempts to lower its Ameren Missouri electric rate, something it has been pushing for since February. After state regulators denied the initial request, Noranda announced, in early fall, that it would lay off 125 to 200 people at its New Madrid smelter over the next six months. As of the beginning of the year, it employed about 900 people. 23 employees were laid off in September, and the company offered retirement packages to another 27 workers, who must decide by this week whether to take the buyout.