Following a story MHProNews last posted May 11, 2016 regarding the sudden end of operations for Innovative Building Systems (IBS) and the fall out that closed Excel Homes, and  Mod-U-Kraf Homes in Rocky Mount, VA, roanoke reports the Franklin Center in Rocky Mount held a support and job-seeking gathering for employees who lost their jobs building modular homes. (The Franklin Center offers employment, training and educational services.) Center director Kathy Hodges said there has been a steady stream of former Mod-U-Kraf employees coming through the building since parent company IBS closed their factories.

“I know for some of you it may have been 10, 20, 30 years or more since you’ve been actually not working or out of work,” Hodges said to the crowd. “I know it can be a scary time or a frightening time, but know that we’ve got a lot of people here that offer a lot of services and are able to help you.”

Katherine Holcomb, manager of the Virginia Employment Commission’s Roanoke Workforce Center, whose office serves four counties, including the cities of Salem and Roanoke, said she averages 470 job orders each month, noting there are many options open.

Officials emphasized that former employees should not hold out for the possibility that Champion Homes might buy the facility. There initially was talk that Champion would take over plant, as MHProNews reported in the original article, but nothing has transpired. ##

(Photo credit: roanoke–one time Excel Homes headquarters in Franklin County, VA)

Article submitted by Matthew J Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.