Splenda Plant "Moth-Balling"

Thursday 11:00 a.m.
Officials at Tate and Lyle PLC confirm the company will shut down production at its Splenda plant in McIntosh, leaving more than 100 workers without jobs.

News Five first reported the layoffs Wednesday on WKRG.com.

Chris Olsen, a company spokesman, said layoffs could start at the end of July, and the plant will completely cease operations by March.

The British-based company has manufactured the artificial sweetener for 10 years in southwest Alabama.

Company executives said they have decided to shift all sucralose production to a newer facility in Singapore to cut costs and enhance productivity, according to the associated press.

Union leaders, who spoke to News Five Wednesday, were upset about the decision saying this is another example of a company "shipping jobs overseas."

Wednesday 5:00 p.m.
Workers at the Splenda plant in McIntosh will soon be out of a job.

According to a union leader, employees were told today the plant will be "moth-balled," meaning it will shut down production at least until the economy gets better.

Robby Smith, a six year veteran at the plant, says at least 50 workers will lose their jobs July 31st. The company's other 80 employees will be out of work by the end of the year.

Smith, a shop steward of the International Association of Machinists, says he's concerned because the company's Singapore plant is stepping up its production.

"The Singapore plant will increase their production wide open, while the American plant is moth-balled," said Smith.

Splenda officials did not immediately return News Five's call for a comment.

We'll continue to follow this story as it develops.