General Cable layoffs likely in March

General Cables Altoona –  a central Pennsylvania ignition wire plant expects to begin cutting as many as 180 jobs in March, though notice filed with state regulators would allow it to begin as early as Feb. 20.

Reports are that General Cable will keep its Altoona plant open, but only to make ignition wire assemblies that aren't used in automobiles, and to maintain a warehouse for finished products.

But 160 to 180 of the plant's 210 workers will be cut when the company moves its automotive ignition wire operations to the company's plant in Nogales, Mexico.

Spokeswoman Lisa Lawson says the layoffs likely won't start until late March, despite the Feb. 20 date filed with state Department of Labor and Industry.

The Unions representing the workers at General Cable commented on last week's layoff announcement.

About 160 people working at the Altoona manufacturing plant found out they would soon be out of a job. The company is phasing out most of the workers there and moving production to Mexico.

Tuesday the union leaders released a statement saying the Altoona workers are a talented and dedicated group. Union President Barbara Cunningham said, "I am extremely saddened by the loss of jobs that have been announced.  It is devastating news for the workers and their families.  However, this is not the end. I know that the skills of our workers will carry them to other opportunities, and we will be there to stand with them through this process."

source : You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login