Increased demand for desktop computers has compelled Dell Inc. to extend the reprieve of its local plant for a third time through the end of October, according to local elected officials today.
David Plyler, the chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, said he received word of that decision from Dell officials. Allen Joines, the mayor of Winston-Salem, said he has been trying to return a message today from Kip Thompson, the vice president for facilities of Dell.
The decision means that the plant would be open more than a year following Dell's plant closing announcement of Oct. 7.
There are an estimated 500 employees at the plant — about 400 Dell workers and 100 temporary and contact workers.
The company initially said that the plant would close in mid-to-late January, only to give it three-month reprieves, first to April 30 and then to July 31.
Dell officials could not be reached for immediate comment.
David Frink, a Dell spokesman, said in February that the decisions to keep the plant open are based on Dell's need to "balance its global manufacturing capacity to meet customer needs."
Plyler said that Dell officials told him that employees who stay through October will be paid for their work and receive a retention bonus.
Frink said in February that employees who elect to leave "will receive their retention bonus from our initial extension, as well as their severance package."
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