MONTGOMERY— Employees of a Montgomery-based company will soon learn new job skills with the help of a $48,660 grant from Gov. Bob Riley. 

 Thompson Supply Co. will use the grant to help train 38 employees in its Montgomery and Opelika distribution centers in methods to boost productivity and improve worker communication. The company, which distributes plumbing supplies and pipes, is contributing $77,574 toward the training cost.

“Alabamians must continue to upgrade their skills to remain competitive in the workforce,” Riley said. “By learning new skills, these employees strengthen their company while expanding their opportunities for career advancement.”

Company officials say the training will help workers learn new software that streamlines order processing and improves the company’s accounting records. To reduce errors, trainees will learn the requirements for each sales order, from order placement to final payment.   

Thompson Supply estimates the training will increase the company’s profits by 5 percent and boost the long-term earning potential of employees who complete the training by 5 percent.

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

Riley notified Steve McIver, the company’s vice president of finance, that he had approved the grant.    

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers