Barge-builder plans layoffs

MADISONVILLE, La. - A barge-building yard in St. Tammany Parish will begin the first in a series of layoffs next month in preparation for eventual closure. About 235 people work for Trinity Marine Products, which builds tank barges for the offshore oil industry. The company plans to complete eight barges already under construction. The first cuts involve 88 workers. (Source: Times-Picayune, 08/07/09)