As Many As 410 Additional Jobs In Four States On The Chopping Block As Bankruptcy Proceeds

It would appear that more layoffs are in the offing as Hawker Beechcraft moves through the bankruptcy process. The company said it plans to cut just over 400 more jobs in four states as part of its restructuring.

The layoffs are associated with the closure of three HBC Services facilities in Little Rock, AR, San Antonio, TX, and Mesa, AZ, which will cost 240 people their jobs, according to a report in the Wichita Eagle. The company will also cut 170 jobs from its Little Rock Completions Center and in Wichita. HBC said last month that it will emerge from bankruptcy as Beechcraft Corp, and focus on its piston and turboprop lines. The Little Rock Completion Center finishes jets for customers, and the new Beechcraft will not be in the jet business.

In a letter signed by HBC CEO Steve Miller and chairman Bill Boisture, the company said that it has "already taken a series of steps during 2012 to match its hourly employee levels to adjusted production rates."

Those in this most recent round of layoffs received 60-day notices Friday. HBC had previously issued notices to 1,021 workers in Wichita this year, according to KansasWorks.

In the letter, Miller and Boisture called the decision "extremely difficult," but that it was necessary for the long-term health of the company.

(Pictured: Hawker Beechcraft chairman Bill Boisture)

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com