Data for 1997 - 1999 reveals that the 22 plants collectively hired 400-500 hourly wage employees during the three year period.

An interesting fact is the prevelance of prior work experience characteristic of new hires. Most new hires received prior on-the-job training in some industry-related capacity before being employed by one of the plants. Of every 10 - 12 applicants chosen for interview, one or two may be hired. This applies to hourly wage employees, who represent the largest employee group at these plants.

Construction and maintenance contractor companies that do business in these plants hire large numbers of employees.  These contract workers are employed directly by the contractor companies and do not go through the application/selection process for the individual plants.