MONTGOMERY— Gov. Bob Riley has awarded grants to help workers at two businesses in central Alabama improve their job skills and help their companies remain competitive in today’s economy.    

Riley awarded $50,000 grants to Guardian-IPCO Inc. in Shelby County and Merryweather Foam in Talladega County for training to help their businesses operate more efficiently while continuing to meet the needs of their customers.

“Workers who expand their skills not only increase their earning potential, they also improve the performance of their companies,” Riley said. “I am pleased to help these employees learn new techniques that strengthen their companies while expanding their opportunities for career advancement.”

Guardian-IPCO, which manufactures treatment chemicals used to prevent corrosion in boilers and other water systems, will train 15 employees in methods to reduce operating expenses and improve quality control. The company will contribute $50,710 toward the cost of the 12-month training.

Sylacauga-based Merryweather Foam, which makes foam parts used for pipe insulation, packaging materials and other applications, will provide training for 27 employees. The workers will learn skills to improve workflow and reduce waste in the production process. The company will contribute $50,000 toward the cost of the six-month training.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by U.S. Department of Labor as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Riley notified Cindy Mitchell, president of Guardian-IPCO, and Bellaire Riley, vice president of Merryweather Foam, that that grants had been approved.

            --30--

Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers