MONTGOMERY— Workers at a company in Clanton will soon learn new job skills with the help of a $50,000 grant awarded by Gov. Bob Riley.

Southeastern Anodizing Co. will use the grant to help pay the cost of training 45 employees in methods to improve efficiency in the production process. Company officials say the training will sustain jobs in Chilton County by making Southeastern Anodizing more competitive in the global marketplace.

“In today’s economy, Alabamians must continue to upgrade their skills to remain competitive,” Riley said. “By learning new skills, these employees will strengthen their company while expanding their opportunities for advancement.”

In operation since 1997, Southeastern Anodizing’s Clanton facility provides metal finishing, fabrication and assembly for the aerospace, agriculture, automotive and construction industries. The year-long training will teach employees techniques to improve the flow of production, manage inventory more efficiently and develop leadership skills.

Company officials estimate the training will boost efficiency by 10 percent and increase sales by 15 percent within two years after the training is completed. The long-term earning potential of employees who complete the training also will increase, company officials said.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Labor Department as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama earlier this year.

Riley notified Austin Brewer, the company’s general manager, that he had approved the grant.

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers