Production Slump To Hit Workforce Once Again

Workers at Hawker Beechcraft who felt relief at escaping almost 500 job cuts at the company last year got some bad news last Wednesday -- the company is working on plans for further cuts to be announced in a few weeks.

Vice President Rich Jiwanlal, who heads up human resources at HBC, did not offer any details.

The Associated Press is citing a letter from Jiwanlal in reporting that the company is reviewing its business in an effort to reconcile first-quarter and full-year 2009 production needs with the size of its work force.

"I wanted to use this opportunity to assure you that we are taking every possible step to minimize the impact of the reduction on our employees, their families and our company," the memo reads.

As ANN reported, Hawker Beech announced in November it would cut 500 jobs, in the face of a drop in production rates for its varied line of piston aircraft, turboprop and business jets. Not helping matters is the fact HBC carries close to $2.4 billion in debt, and by Schuster's own admission expects to pay close to half a million per day in interest expenses this year.

For now, Hawker Beechcraft employs more than 9,000 people, most at its plant in Wichita, KS.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com