Identity Group Closure Highlights Workforce Support Available to Cookeville Workers

As Identity Group prepares to permanently close its Cookeville manufacturing campus on October 20, at least 63 employees are facing a significant employment transition. Workforce Connections and its regional workforce partners are working through the Rapid Response and Dislocated Worker services process to help affected employees prepare for their next steps.

Identity Group Holdings Corp. filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) with the state announcing the closure of its facility at 1480 Gould Drive. The Cookeville location is the company's original manufacturing campus. Identity Group manufactures interior signage and other custom identity products for customers nationwide. The closure represents a major change for employees who have built their careers at the facility.

For workers, a plant closure can bring uncertainty about finding another job, transferring existing skills to a new industry and managing the transition between employers. Employees with manufacturing experience may have skills that apply to a range of local industries, including production, quality control, equipment operation, logistics and other technical roles.

Workforce Connections can help workers identify their next opportunity. Through the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board and its regional workforce partners, Rapid Response and Dislocated Worker services are coordinated to support employees affected by layoffs and closures. The state notice specifically identifies the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Area's Rapid Response team as responsible for coordinating services with the employer and affected workers.

Depending on individual eligibility and available services, support may include career guidance, help identifying transferable skills, resume preparation, job-search assistance, information about training opportunities and connections with employers seeking workers. American Job Center services can also help job seekers navigate available employment and training resources.

For employees whose positions are affected, taking advantage of these services can help turn an uncertain transition into a more organized job search. Workers may be able to build on their existing experience, explore a different industry or pursue additional training to qualify for new opportunities.

The closure also highlights the importance of a coordinated response when a major employer leaves a community. Connecting affected workers with employment services and local opportunities helps individuals move forward while helping regional employers reach people who already have valuable workplace experience.

Workforce Connections serves employers and job seekers across the Upper Cumberland, helping connect people with career opportunities and businesses with the talent they need. Employees affected by the Identity Group closure are encouraged to connect with Workforce Connections or their local American Job Center to learn what support and resources may be available to them.

As October 20 approaches, the priority is helping affected workers understand their options, recognize the value of their experience and take the next step toward continued employment.