Scope Of Layoffs Not Yet Known

...And the hits just keep coming. Cessna told its employees Monday it will cut 2,000 additional jobs throughout its facilities, putting a number to its announcement last week of a second round of layoffs.

The Associated Press reports Jim Walters, head of human resources for the company, announced the cuts in an email sent throughout Cessna's network.

"These actions are regrettable, but necessary to ensure our long-term stability and success," Walters wrote. "As always, we remain committed to keep you informed of the processes and next steps as we work through this difficult time."

Company spokesman Robert Stangarone said workers will receive 60-day notices over the next few weeks, with the layoffs effective in March. The planemaker will also make a second request to its workers to accept voluntary layoff programs.

"These are particularly difficult times and it is very painful to lose so many great team members, and unfortunately we must take these steps to protect the future of our company," Stangarone said.

The AP notes Cessna currently employs 12,000 people in Wichita, with an additional 1,300 employees at its Independence, KS plant and more at facilities in Columbus, GA and Bend, OR. Cessna also has a facility in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Stangarone couldn't comment on the distribution of the layoffs. "Right now we are just saying across Cessna. We are not being any more specific than that.

"Anybody who is in Wichita certainly sees what is happening with the economy and industry," Stangarone added. "They are pretty well aware of the situation we are in."

FMI: www.cessna.com