ConAgra announces layoffs in wake of explosion

ConAgra lays off 300 employees at NC plant; blames move on costs associated with explosion

• On 7:03 pm EDT, Wednesday September 16, 2009

GARNER, N.C. (AP) -- The maker of SlimJim snacks announced Wednesday it will lay off 300 employees at its North Carolina plant in November in light of costs associated with a deadly explosion.

ConAgra Foods said the layoffs at the Garner facility are a direct result of the expenses stemming from a June 9 explosion that killed three workers and injured dozens.

Damage to the building reduced production of SlimJims by about 50 percent.

ConAgra's Garner plant employs 750 workers.

Company officials also told employees at a meeting they would no longer provide guaranteed 40-hour weekly paychecks.

Employees will be laid off based on seniority and production needs.