US Department of Labor announces $1.3M grant to provide re-employment assistance to Michigan workers affected by manufacturing industry layoffs

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,321,161 grant to assist approximately 200 workers affected by the closure of TRW Integrated Chassis Systems LLC in Saginaw, Michigan.

"As our nation's economic landscape changes, it is critical that hard-working Americans receive retraining that gives them new skills and opportunities to succeed," U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said. "This grant will do that — sustaining these workers and revitalizing their community."

Awarded to the Michigan Strategic Fund, the grant will be administered by Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!, a local workforce development board. It will help provide access to dislocated worker services, such as individual career counseling, skills assessment, skill upgrades, occupational skills training and job search assistance.

In December 2013, approximately 645 workers at TRW Integrated Chassis Systems were notified by a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice that they would be affected by the closure of the Saginaw manufacturing plant. The plant ended production in February.

Of the $1,321,161 announced today, $865,950 will be released initially. Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

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.