GE site expects layoffs

[OhioChick]

Circleville plant to lose 43 jobs
May 16, 2008

Layoffs at Circleville's General Electric Lamp Plant are due, in part to a slowdown in the economy, a spokeswoman for the company said.

May 8, the 375 employees at the plant were informed there were 43 positions that will be eliminated at the facility.

"It's a situation to keep us in line with current production needs," said Janice Fraser, a spokeswoman for the company. "... We all know the economy has been slow, and we need to reduce our output to meet lower customer demand."

Manufacturing process improvements also played a role in the layoffs, which take effect Aug. 1.

"Of the 43 positions, it is anticipated 50 percent or more of the employees affected will be eligible for a GE retirement package with full GE retirement and pension benefits," Fraser said in a statement.

Benefits available to eligible employees losing their jobs also includes a voluntary layoff option that provides a $16,000 bonus to retire; thousands of dollars in tuition reimbursement for education and retraining; and continued insurance, medical and dental benefits for affected employees and their covered dependents.

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080516/NEWS01/805160305/1002