Layoff notices will be sent to about 410 Hawker Beechcraft employees, as the company plans to close facilities in three locations and shut down its business jet production.
The Wichita Eagle reported that 60-day notices will be issued Nov. 9 to affected employees in Wichita, Kan., where the company is based, along with Little Rock, Ark., where the last of the Hawker business jets are being completed. Job cuts will also be made in San Antonio and Mesa, Ariz., the Eagle reported, quoting from a letter to employees signed by CEO Steve Miller and Chairman Bill Boisture:
“While extremely difficult decisions, these closures and reductions in force will get the company closer to what we envision for our go-forward plan that focuses on turboprop, piston, special mission and trainer/attack aircraft, as well as parts, maintenance, repairs and refurbishment businesses,” the letter said.
Hawker Beechcraft filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, and recently discussed the failed attempt to negotiate a sale to a Chinese buyer. The collapse of that deal was followed by announcements that the Hawker jet line would be closed, and the company will seek to terminate warranty coverage for many, though not all, of its business jets.
The latest round of job cuts push the 2012 total reduction in workers to 1,021 employees in Wichita alone, the Eagle reported.
Jim Moore
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