Union Tank Car To Lay Off 224 Workers

ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) — Houston-based Union Tank Car Co. plans to lay off about 224 workers at its Louisiana plant beginning in late June as a result of a drop in demand for railcars.

In a notification to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the company said Tuesday the Alexandria facility will remain open and employ about 359 people.

The company said the layoffs, which are permanent, will begin on or within 14 days of June 24.

The $100 million plant opened in June 2006. At the time, company officials expected employment to reach 850 people within two years.

The workforce commission says a rapid response team will conduct orientation sessions for affected employees beginning next week.