Document n29mgj4O77edv1ZBNmDxz98a

From: E. I, du Pont de Nemours & Company Edge Moor Plant Edge Moor, Del., 19809 EDGE MOOR, Del., June 16 -- Plans to lay off approximately 180 employees of the Du Pont Company's Edge Moor plant, beginning June 27, were announced today by John F. Kane, plant manager. The layoff is due to reduced demand for the facility's principal product, titanium dioxide pigment. The plant has approximately 800 employees. Titanium dioxide produced at Edge Moor is used primarily in the paper, plastics and paint industries. Kane said recent declines in housing starts and auto sales were important factors in the planned curtailment of production. Line I, the older of two production units at Edge Moor, will be idled and placed on standby, Kane said. He said pigment grades previously manufactured on this line will be available from .Edge Moores Line II and other Du Pont plants. Line II will continue to operate. Kane said the Edge Moor layoff is expected to require about six months to complete as employees are retrained for new job assign ments as dictated by plant job movement procedures. The layoff at Edge Moor is expected to involve employees who were hired at the site after early 1974. The number includes 18 employees who also have worked at other Du Pont sites and have total company service ranging from 6 to 30 years. "We will make an intensive effort to help the affected employees find job opportunities within Du Pont and elsewhere," he said. "Unfortunately, because of the general economic slowdown, we expect there will be limited opportunity at other company operations for employees laid off at Edge Moor*" #### Editorial contact: John f . Kane Telephone: 1302} 772-0200 ! I 6/16/80 DUP050062548