Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 22, 1994 TAG: 9410240042
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
NORFOLK - Ford Motor Co.'s planned $290 million expansion of its Norfolk truck assembly plant will help guarantee existing jobs and create 400 new positions by the end of next year, the company said Friday..
Ford Motor Co. announced plans for the expansion of the plant, which makes F-series pickups. Local and state governments have committed $14 million for work force training and infrastructure improvements, Gov. George Allen said.
The 300,000-square-foot ex-pansion will boost production levels from 653 to 720 trucks per day. The plant's work force will be increased from 1,923 to more than 2,300, the company said.
|- Associated Press
Bankruptcies
Eight bankruptcies with business affiliations have been filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Western Virginia at Roanoke. Six of them are personal bankruptcies that the court listed as businesses because they have commercial connections and could be of interest to business creditors and customers.
All of the filers are seeking liquidation.
Country Cable Inc. of Galax sells satellite television systems and televisions, according to its listing. Jennette Nicholson of Independence, president, listed assets of $23,775 and liabilities of $180,424, including 25 claims for back wages.
Ali Muhommed Badawi listed himself as the operator of Quick Thrift convenience store in Roanoke and and as an unemployed carpenter. Badawi had assets of $3,100 and liabilities of $49,687.
Johnny Carson Brake of Vinton, owner of John C. Brake Inc. insurance agency, reported assets of $325,594 and liabilities of $513,587. The agency was not a party in the bankruptcy.
Harold W. Wright and Barbara D. Wright of Roanoke had assets of $102,250 and liabilities of $143,281. Harold Wright said he is in insurance sales.
James L. Ferguson and Susan A. Ferguson of Vinton, operators of Ferguson Janitorial Service, listed assets of $10,000 and liabilities of $27,533.
Michael L. Robertson and Tamara L. Robertson of Vinton had assets of $63,700 and liabilities of $78,464. Michael Robertson is a painting contractor.
David M. Watts and Denise B. Watts of Roanoke had assets of $37,475 and liabilities of $21,941. Denise Watts is self-employed in cosmetics sales.
Bonnie Lynette Overacre Broughman of Troutville, who is self-employed in home health care, had assets of $2,218 and liabilities of $10,701.
- Staff report
Union sues N&W over worker status
NORFOLK - The United Transportation Union has sued Norfolk & Western Railway, now part of Norfolk Southern Corp., over the status of displaced train workers in the railroad's Norfolk terminal.
The U.S. District Court lawsuit is seeking enforcement of a year-old arbitration agreement between the union and railroad and back pay claims of about $90,000 for the affected employees.
The dispute involves how certain senior employees can be reassigned when their positions are eliminated. Local 48 of the union represents about 100 conductors and brake operators at the Norfolk terminal.
Norton N. Newborn, the union's attorney, said the workers contend they are being placed in a nonworking and unpaid status when they are not needed.
Robin C. Chapman, a railroad spokesman, said the company was willing to talk with the workers.
- Associated Press
SCC approves local-calling plan
The State Corporation Commission has approved Bell Atlantic-Virginia's plan to remove toll charges on calls among telephone exchanges in Blacksburg, Shawsville and Salem.
The company's "continguous calling plan" allows customers in approved exchanges to call each other without toll charges, in return for paying a higher monthly rate for local phone service. Residential, flat-rate customers in the Blacksburg and Shawsville exchanges will pay an additional 73 cents a month. Base rates in Salem will remain the same.
Last month, an SCC hearing examiner had recommended that the commission approve the local-calling plan. Customers attending public hearings on the proposed plan were overwhelmingly in favor of it.
- Staff report
by CNB