Community Corner

Pratt & Whitney Cuts 200 Jobs in Middletown and East Hartford

Uncertainty with after-market sales, reduced defense spending, and the decline in engine sales led to the aerospace manufacturer's layoffs today in Connecticut.

Aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney today announced another round of layoffs, shedding 400 employees company-wide, including 200 in Connecticut, an action the company spokesman admitted was tough but necessary.

Ray Hernandez, manager of external communications at the aircraft engine giant, was unable to say how the layoffs break down between the state's two plants in Middletown and East Hartford.

This is the third time in little over a year that Pratt has eliminated workers. In January, roughly 200 salaried employees at Pratt in Middletown and East Hartford were let go and 300 jobs were lost in May 2012 as part of a cost-saving effort, with 200 coming from Connecticut.

That leaves about 9,000 Pratt employees in the state and 32,000 company wide, Hernandez said. Middletown's plant is on Aircraft Road near the Haddam town line.

"While the company is very pleased with the number of employees who participated in its recent voluntary separation program, these further reductions are necessary," he said.

Uncertainty with after-market sales, reduced military defense spending and the decline in legacy engine sales all contributed to job cuts, Hernandez said.

Affected employees are being given severance pay, outplacement, continuation of group insurance and Employee Scholar Program benefits, and other services and benefits.

"When necessary, we make staffing adjustments required to keep our cost structure competitive. Our long-term outlook is very bright; however, to secure this bright future we must address some near-term challenges," Hernandez said.

"Taking necessary actions to manage our cost structure, while continuing to invest in new programs, positions Pratt & Whitney for the long term and ensures a strong future for the company, our employees, customers and shareowners."


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