Lee Brass factory is closed, many people lose their jobs

ANNISTON, Alabama (WBRC) – More than 150 people in Calhoun County lost their jobs this week due to the unexpected closure of a business that has been in business for over a century.

Don Hopper of the Calhoun County Economic Development Agency says no reason has been given for the closure and there doesn't seem to be much help available to employees.

Employees at the Lee Brass plant were informed on Tuesday that the plant would not reopen for operations and were asked to collect their belongings.

Don Hopper of Calhoun County Economic Development says he was surprised by the plant's closure. Hopper says helping the unemployed is his top priority.

“The way we look at it is: For everyone who has lost their job, the unemployment rate has gone up to 100%. We want to make sure we find a way to help those workers find paid employment,” Hopper said.

“The good thing is we have companies that need people, and we hope that the skills that the people at Lee Brass bring will translate to some of these other companies or foundries. We know what skills we have at Lee Brass, and these people are keen to talk to them,” Hopper said.

A job fair for these unemployed workers will be held at the Oxford Civic Center on Tuesday, August 20th.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.

All rights reserved.