Business and it's downfall

Salaried workers at Brown & Williamson's Macon plant will get six to 15 months' severance pay if the plant closes as expected, the company said Monday.

The 500 salaried employees will receive one month of pay for every year of service, for a minimum of six months and a maximum of 15, said Fred McConnell, manager of communications and public affairs at the Macon plant. The factory employs about 2,100.

"It's a generous package," McConnell said. "They will get their full pay, paid in a lump sum."

Details involving hourly workers will be released later.

Salaried workers will also get their current health care benefits for six months after they leave, he said. Free outplacement services also will be offered, including career counseling, interviewing skills, rŽsumŽ writing and help finding a new job.

The merger, announced Oct. 27, between Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., will create a new company, Reynolds American Inc., based in Winston-Salem,...