If the turnout so far at a job fair is any indication, Tower Automotive will have a swell of applicants to choose from in staffing its new Meridian plant.

By early Saturday afternoon, an estimated 500 people had filled out applications since the fair began Thursday at Meridian Community College, said Fred Smith of Tower’s human resources department.

Smith expects that number to approach 1,000 by the time the fair ends Tuesday afternoon.

“They’re looking for someplace where they can come to and advance, and get better benefits,” Smith said, in assessing the strong turn-out from job seekers.

About 120 jobs are presently up for grabs at the new facility, which has stamping presses and provides sub-assembly of automotive chassis and suspension systems.

One person, who asked that her real name not be used because she doesn’t want her current employer to know she’s looking around, said she’s willing to make a 100-mile round-trip each day from Sumter County, Ala., for a job with Tower.

“There are really no jobs where I’m from,” said the 38-year-old with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. “Chemical Waste Management used to be the lead employer, but they downsized.”

The mother of two said some people think she’s too much of a workaholic: “I just come from that background to work hard and achieve. If it means starting at the bottom, I’m willing to work my way up.”

Gerad Briggs, 25, of Scooba said he’d like to trade his full-time job as a caretaker of farm animals in DeKalb for a position with Tower.

“I used to work at Nissan in Canton, but I moved back home,” said Briggs, citing his need for health insurance and a 401(k) package as chief reasons for seeking new employment.

“I also like the idea of working in an air-conditioned or heated building,” he added.

On Saturday, a white board inside Rosenbaum Auditorium listed production assemblers and industrial maintenance mechanics as key areas in recruitment efforts. Hourly wages ranged from $9 to $16.50, depending on the position.

After 20 to 30 minutes completing job applications, hopefuls were told to wait to be contacted for a possible interview with Tower representatives.

Before being hired, applicants will be tested in math, reading and teamwork skills, Smith said. Some positions will also require passing an applied technology test.

On-site literature advised all prospective employees that they’d be subjected to “hair follicle drug screening.”

Tower began limited operations last month in the former Delco-Remy Building on Highway 11 South. With the new recruits, Smith said the present workforce will nearly triple.