GROVELAND, Fla.,None — The Niagara Water Bottling Company held a job fair Thursday. The city of Groveland fought against bringing the new bottling plant to town, but that did not stop Lake County residents from wanting to work there.
Over 500 people showed up at the job fair at the Clermont Civic Auditorium just to fill 40 positions. At one point, the line was wrapped around the building.
Some unemployed hopefuls arrived before the sun rose and, by 10:00am, there was a line around the building.
"Hoping for a bite. Just need a bite, need a chance," applicant Brad Davis said.
A company spokesperson said the lucky few will be contacted in the next week or so and can expect to start work in about one month. Based on number of people who wrapped around the Clermont Civic Auditorium, the bottling company will have quite a selection of potential employees.
"What we're really looking to do is come out here and attract some of the best talent in Lake County, bring them on board, offer competitive wages," said Jeremy Derk, Niagra Company.
As the potential employees filled out their applications, they got a look at what they might be producing. The plant will be turning out cases of bottled water.
The Niagara Company was not always so welcomed, though. Lake County residents fought hard against the bottling plant for years, only to be forced to accept the bottler's new presence.
It seems those in line Thursday, have changed their tune in a bad economy.
"If they can bring jobs to the area that would far outweigh any other detriment. And this is definitely bringing jobs," applicant Greg Smith said.
WFTV asked about pay scales and the company would only say they offer competitive wages.
WFTV
