FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen says the state is preparing for an increase in unemployment claims once the General Motors Corp. assembly plant in Spring Hill closes its doors later this month.

The governor told reporters Tuesday that the state did its best to try to persuade GM to keep the plant open but that "it was probably always a hopeless quest."

The plant was one of three finalists to build a new small car for GM, but the company ultimately chose a plant in Michigan.

Auto assembly at Spring Hill is scheduled to cease around Thanksgiving, idling about 2,000 employees, though about 500 workers will continue in other parts of the complex that will remain in operation.