This is a printer friendly version.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2007
PBGC Public Affairs
202-326-4343
PBGC Assumes Scovill Fasteners Inc. Pension Plan
WASHINGTON—The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) today announced it has assumed responsibility for the pensions of more than 1,400 workers and retirees of Scovill Fasteners Inc., a button and zipper maker based in Clarkesville, Ga.
The PBGC stepped in because the company failed to pay about $14.7 million in legally required pension funding contributions. The agency also determined that the company could no longer afford its pension plan. Scovill owns units in Canada, China and Mexico. Its operations in Nottingham, U.K., closed in 2006.
Scovill Fasteners’ retirees will continue to receive their monthly benefit checks without interruption, and other workers will receive their pensions when they are eligible to retire.
According to PBGC estimates, the Scovill Fasteners Inc. Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees is about 30 percent funded, with a little more than $10 million in assets to cover some $34.8 million in benefit liabilities. The agency expects to be responsible for the entire $24.5 million shortfall.
The PBGC will take over the assets and use insurance funds to pay guaranteed benefits earned under the plan, which terminated as of April 30, 2005. The PBGC became trustee of the plan on July 17, 2007. Assumption of the plan's unfunded liabilities will have no material effect on the PBGC's financial statements, according to generally accepted accounting principles.
Within the next several weeks, the PBGC will send notification letters to all plan participants. Under federal pension law, the maximum guaranteed pension at age 65 for participants in plans that terminate in 2005 is $45,614 per year. The maximum guaranteed amount is lower for those who retire earlier or elect survivor benefits. In addition, certain early retirement subsidies and benefit increases made within the past five years may not be fully guaranteed.
Workers and retirees with questions may consult the PBGC Web site, www.pbgc.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-400-7242. For TTY/TDD users, call the federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask for 800-400-7242.
Retirees of Scovill Fasteners who draw a benefit from the PBGC may be eligible for the federal Health Coverage Tax Credit. Further information may be found on the PBGC Web site at http://www.pbgc.gov/workers-retirees/benefits-information/content/page13692.html.
The PBGC is a federal corporation created under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. It currently guarantees payment of basic pension benefits earned by 44 million American workers and retirees participating in over 30,000 private-sector defined benefit pension plans. The agency receives no funds from general tax revenues. Operations are financed largely by insurance premiums paid by companies that sponsor pension plans and by investment returns.
