SIKESTON -- Employment opportunities in Sikeston are looking up.
Ed Dust, director of the Sikeston Department of Economic Development, said he has received tidings of comfort and joy recently regarding the local job market.
"The first good news is that Unilever has called back all of their laid off employees -- all 200-plus have been called back," Dust said. "After a short shutdown for the holiday season, which they always do, they expect 2012 to be a robust year."
Dust said these rehirings offset the seasonal layoffs the plant had back in October and should alleviate concerns about the company's future here.
Not only is Sikeston getting back jobs many thought were lost, but there are new opportunities opening up, he said.
"Cott Beverage is in the process of doing an addition," Dust said. "They are adding new machinery, new processes."
Dust said the company won't need to add to their building, "but they will hire some new people to go with this internal expansion."
The new machinery is being installed now with hiring expected to begin after the first of the year, he said.
"Tetra Pak has picked up additional business as well which led them to hire on more employees recently," Dust said. "And Alan Wire is also in the process of an expansion and is hiring new folks."
Also, rumors of a new employer setting up here are grounded in fact. The city has sold 10 acres of property at the Sikeston Industrial Park, Dust confirmed.
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