Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will have team members available early next week in Portageville, Missouri to help employees impacted by the recent announcement of Magnitude 7 Metals closure.

MDHEWD’s Rapid Response Employee Transition Team will host two events on Tuesday, Jan. 30 to provide information about reemployment and services, the current labor market, potential opportunities to receive training for a new job, and other benefits that help get people back to work quickly. Magnitude 7 Metals employees are invited to attend one of the following events:

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Rone Hall, 102 County Road 308, Portageville, MO 63873

“We encourage anyone impacted by this closure to attend an upcoming event hosted by our team,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. “These events provide a unique opportunity for employees to learn more about the free resources available to help during this difficult time. We are also incredibly appreciative of other state agencies, including the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and the Missouri Department of Mental Health, for providing valuable information about unemployment insurance, retraining services, and protecting employee benefits, like retirement and health benefits, as well as mental health resources for impacted employees and families.”

The Employee Transition Team also plans to host local hiring events in the coming weeks to assist affected employees who need help finding new employment. MDHEWD will send out additional information about upcoming events once details are available.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health reminds individuals who are in crisis, feeling overwhelmed, and are not sure where to turn to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Missouri 988 offers behavioral health support from trained crisis specialists. Free and confidential support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or sending a chat to Missouri988.org.

Magnitude 7 Metals employees may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits online or obtain information about their claim at UInteract.labor.mo.gov. For those impacted, assistance is available online or by phone at 800-320-2519.