BOSWELL REQUESTS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR EMPLOYEES AMID DARAMIC CLOSURE

BOSWELL REQUESTS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR EMPLOYEES AMID DARAMIC CLOSURE

FRANKFORT, KY. (July 12, 2024) – Daramic, a global producer of battery separators for automotive, industrial, and specialty applications manufacturers located in Owensboro, reported it ceased operations abruptly on Monday, July 8, and will lay off approximately 156 employees effective Friday, September 6. Sen. Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro, has requested a Rapid Response team from the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet to provide information on the available support services to the impacted employees. 

“I was deeply disappointed to learn about this news. Unfortunately, we have to play with the hand we’ve been dealt, but as the senator for Daviess County, I expect these employees will be provided all the help we can give them,” Boswell said. “I’ve sent a formal request to Secretary Jamie Link and the Beshear administration to ensure we do right by these employees who are now looking for a job. I hope to hear a follow-up from them soon on what the cabinet will do to connect the employees with needed resources.”

Rapid response is a service provided under the federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to assist companies undergoing closures or layoffs. This program is initiated when the state or local rapid response is notified of impending layoffs. Companies often contact the team directly, inviting them to offer on-site support to the affected workers. 

Support services include information, job searches, training opportunities, and assistance in signing up for unemployment insurance.

The Daramic plant had been a part of the community for over 60 years.

For online unemployment claims, employees can visit kcc.ky.gov or call 502-875-0442. Claims cannot be filed before an employee's final work day.