Piper slows production

Piper Aircraft officials have told local news outlets in Vero Beach, Fla., that they plan to introduce a reduced workweek for some of their departments. The company hopes normal attrition and a reduced work schedule will soften the impact on the workforce caused by the current economic uncertainty.

There were no details on the size of the work-hour reduction or when it might start, other than to say the plan will be implemented in coming weeks. The company said it wanted to be proactive now rather than reactive later.

At the same time Piper is reducing working hours, the company is increasing the number of employees working on the PiperJet through job fairs at Duluth, Minn., and Wichita, Kan.

Piper has had a good year thus far and has led the industry in some performance numbers but is taking the reduced work hour measures to help weather future adversity.