Vermont says IBM plant to lay off 180 workers

Vermont state officials say they're being told that the IBM plant in Essex Junction is laying off 180 people.

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development officials say they're being told by International Business Machines Corp., a technology giant based in Armonk, N.Y., that 110 regular positions are being eliminated along with 70 long-term supplemental positions.

The state is activating its rapid response system to help former IBM employees find new jobs.

The IBM Microelectronic Plant in Essex Junctions was once the state's largest private employer.

At its peak in 2001, Vermont's IBM plant employed more than 8,000 people. IBM now employs about 5,500 people in Vermont. (AP)