McINTOSH, Ala. (AP) -- BASF Corp. says it will cut 250 of the 700 employees and contractors at its McIntosh chemical plant over the next two years.
The German firm says the cuts are part of a strategy to lower costs to compete with new plants in Asia.
The plant, which has been Washington County's largest private employer, has about 500 employees and 200 contractors.
Maureen Paukert, a spokeswoman for the company, says the reductions could happen through layoffs, retirements, buyouts or attrition. She says severance packages will be offered to affected management employees.
Bobby Carpenter, head of Local 9-00562 of the United Steelworkers union, says he has not been notified that the cuts will affect the 250 employees that the union represents.
The German firm says the cuts are part of a strategy to lower costs to compete with new plants in Asia.
The plant, which has been Washington County's largest private employer, has about 500 employees and 200 contractors.
Maureen Paukert, a spokeswoman for the company, says the reductions could happen through layoffs, retirements, buyouts or attrition. She says severance packages will be offered to affected management employees.
Bobby Carpenter, head of Local 9-00562 of the United Steelworkers union, says he has not been notified that the cuts will affect the 250 employees that the union represents.