Hundreds Facing Layoffs from Rite Aid

NEWNAN, Ga. - Hundreds of people will soon lose their jobs in Cowetta County. The Rite Aid Distribution plant in Newnan is scheduled to close in September.

Kelvin Swanson woke up to a big change in his life. The Rite Aid Corporation announced it will close its Newnan distribution plant by September, eliminating 300 jobs.

"This has got to hurt?" asked FOX 5's George Franco. "It does, but its business. I understand that. (I) got to move on. One door closes; one door opens," said Swanson.

Swanson has worked there 24 years, since Eckerd drugs operated the plant. In June 2007, Rite Aid bought Eckerd Drugs. Officials with Rite Aid said it already has distribution plants in Alabama and Virginia and must close plants in New York and Newnan.

"(It's) shocking, shocking, very shocking," said Rite Aid worker Sammy Wood. "Where do you go from here?" asked Franco. "Got to find another job," said Wood.

A spokesperson for the Rite Aid Corporation in Pennsylvania said the pending closure of the distribution plant was no reflection on "the high quality of employees here in Newnan." She also said advanced preparations are already underway to help find them new jobs.

"We will have everybody that's available involved with this to make sure we assist everybody who's losing their job. The intent, of course, is to get them working again," said Georgia Labor Department's Peter Ludlow.

Ludlow manages the Newnan Career Center. He said resume classes, networking and other services will be offered to laid off plant workers, which include truck drivers, fork lift operators, clerical and others.

"My best advice would be to plan early. Start looking now," said Ludlow.

Ludlow said a panel of employers will be set up this month to meet with employees facing layoffs.