JEROME, Idaho (KLIX) The Idaho Department of Labor has awarded a Jerome plastic bag manufacturer a grant to help train and hire 45 new employees by the end of the month.

According to the department, Hilex Poly Co. will get $157,500 in Idaho Workforce Development Training funds to train people in equipment operations, mechanic, quality assurance, safety, and materials handling.

Pay for the new jobs will average an hourly wage of $15.48 which include benefits. Pay will range from $12 an hour to $22.50. The company plans to hire the new employees by the end of September. Hilex Poly makes plastic grocery and retail bags.

The Idaho’s Workforce Development Training Fund reimburses companies for cost of training new employees or training for existing ones. The fund is supported by three percent taken from unemployment insurance taxes paid by businesses.

Companies who are eligible to get the funding must pay a minimum of $12 an hour and provide health insurance. They must also sell a product outside of their region.

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