May 21, 2022

Chamber ready to assist Siemens Gamesa employees

Posted May 21, 2022 11:21 AM

By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is working to assist those employees that will be laid off as part of the closing of the Siemens Gamesa facility in Hutchinson. The plant announced Friday that it will close indefinitely starting in July because of continued supply chain and order book issues

“I did have an opportunity to visit with officials at Siemens today to try and understand the scope of that,” Chamber President Debra Teufel said. “Our next step is to work with our workforce system partners to make sure that those individuals and families that are affected are receiving all of the rapid response resources that they can get.”

While Friday’s news was certainly not good, Teufel says there are companies who are looking to fill open spots with those who are laid off.

“There are several employers reaching out asking about how they can help,” Teufel said. “They have job opportunities that they would love to be able to get in front of these employees that are being impacted.”

Teufel says that, along with good opportunities to find a job in the area, there are plenty of resources to help find work and assistance if needed.

“I would say that for everyone that received notice (Friday) and they’re trying to evaluate options, just know that the workforce is here to help,” Teufel said. “We already have a meeting schedule Tuesday with the Hutchinson Community College Business and Industry team, and the Kansas Workforce Center to talk about a rapid response.”

Teufel says that will likely come in the form of a job fair in the coming weeks. If you are a company that would like to be a part of that job fair, she says you can contact the Chamber of Commerce at 620-662-3391.

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