ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) — Georgia-based OCI Chemical Corp. is laying off 38 employees from its soda ash plant near Green River.
OCI Site Manager Mike Hohn says the layoffs include 28 hourly employees and 10 salaried employees. The company employs just over 400 people in Wyoming.
Company officials say the layoffs are a result of weakening global demand for soda ash. The industrial chemical is a key ingredient in glass, and demand for glass has dropped in the auto and construction industries.
The four soda ash companies in Sweetwater County employ a total of about 2,400 people. Industry officials say production fell off late last year as a result of the economic recession and Chinese competition.
OCI officials say the laid-off employees will receive pay through Aug. 7 and are being assisted by an outplacement career transition firm.
