The Nestle plant in Red Boiling Springs announced last week that they are laying off 32 employees. In a press release, they stated that they will maintain the workforce at 100.

According to Tony Dexter, plant manager of Nestle Waters Macon County, the change is important to the business model for the facility.

It "will more correctly align the size of the company's workforce with the year-round demands of the plant," Dexter said in the release.

The change in operation impacts all levels of employment at the plant. In addition to some lost jobs, other employees can expect to see a change of duty or shift due to an overall decrease in operating hours.

"We regre the need for this decision as several of our friends and co-workers are losing their jobs," Dexter said through the prepared statement. "Nestle Waters is extremely grateful for the hard work, skills and commitment of all our employees."

The change is in effect immediately and the employees who lost their jobs were eligible for severance packages.

Nestle Waters has also contacted the Upper Cumberland Career Center to assist those employees who have been affected by the downsizing.

Nestle Waters Macon County Bottling Facility, which opened in 2003, is a strategic part of the Nestle Waters distribution network, and demand for the Nestle Pure Life from this facility remains strong, according to Dexter.

"We look forward to continuing to provide invaluable support to the Nestle Pure Life brand in Red Boiling Springs, and to continuing our strong support of the community, civic and charitable causes," he said.