U.S. Department of Labor announces grant of nearly $470,000 to assist manufacturing workers in Iowa affected by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $469,694 grant to assist approximately 60 workers affected by layoffs at ACE Precision Castings LLC and Lennox Industries Inc. located in Marshalltown, Iowa.

"The grant awarded today will allow these Iowans to access services and training that will enable them to enter careers in growing regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Today's grant will be awarded to Iowa Workforce Development and will be operated by the Iowa Valley Community College District. All affected workers at both companies also have been certified by the Labor Department as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and will be provided with access to "wrap-around" services that are not available through the TAA program. These services may include child care, English as a second language courses and career counseling.

On July 21, 2008, ACE Precision Castings LLC issued a public statement announcing the permanent closure of its Marshalltown facility and the immediate layoff of workers due to the relocation of production facilities to China.

On June 13, 2008, Lennox Industries Inc. issued a notice announcing the immediate layoff of workers due to the relocation of its Merit Cooling line from the Marshalltown facility to Mexico. Layoffs occurred on Aug. 15, 2008, and between Oct. 31 and Dec. 30, 2008. Additional layoffs will continue until the line shutdown process is completed on June 30, 2009.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.