The Rapid Response Team of staff from the WIB and the Joplin Career Center provided services to employees that were displaced in a layoff at O'Sullivan Industries. Thirty office-based employees were affected by the layoff at the Lamar manufacturing facility.In a December 9 press release, O'Sullivan officials noted that the company is continuing the effort of examining its operating model and making lasting changes to result in a more productive, efficient, and effective organization. This focus has resulted in an office and salaried headcount reduction in both Lamar, MO and Roswell, GA.
"This is not about cutting isolated expense items. Rather, we're working to reset and lower our cost base to prepare the company for a period of sustainable growth, beginning in 2007”, explained Gary Ramey, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales.
The affected employees were notified of the layoff on December 4th. Staff from the Career Center's Rapid Response, Dislocated Worker, and Trade Act programs were in Lamar the following day to provide information and orientation to the services available.
In addition to engaging services from the local Career Center, O’Sullivan contracted with outplacement firm, CMResources. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the firm provides career counseling, resume’ services, and networking assistance.
The plant in Lamar will be phasing out a third shift pack line. All those employees, however, have been reassigned in the plant.
