MBNA said it currently employs around 3200 people in Maine, including 300 workers in Rockland, 50 workers in Camden-Northport. MBNA also said it employs 45 workers in Dover. Company officials expect around half the workers to accept the offer to transfer to other MBNA operations in Belfast, Brunswick, Farmington, Fort Kent, Orono, Portland, and Presque Isle. MBNA expects to retain more than 3000 employees in Maine following the restructuring.
"It always concerns me when workers stand to lose their jobs through no fault of their own. MBNA has been a major anchor for families and the economy in Midcoast Maine. The impact of these closings will affect the entire area, including other local businesses who depend on the company and its workers for their own livelihood," said Senator Collins. "It is encouraging that workers have the option to transfer to other MBNA facilities. But this will no doubt be a difficult transition for all the workers, particularly those who stand to lose their jobs. We will help them in every way possible through this uncertain time."
Senator Collins encouraged workers who may need federal assistance with job retraining and other support services to contact her state offices in Maine. Workers in the Rockland and Camden-Northport areas may contact her Augusta office at 40 Western Avenue, Room 507, phone number 207-622-8414. Workers in the Dover area may contact Senator Collins' office in Biddeford at 160 Main Street, phone number 207-283-1101.
MBNA officials said the decision to close these operations was part of a restructuring of its operations nationwide in order to fit the current business environment. MBNA also announced it is closing an operation in California.
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