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BAE Systems to lay off an additional 200 workers

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BAE Systems employees walk into their new manufacturing facility for a grand opening event, Monday, May 12, 2008. The company announced Monday, March 15, 2010 that it will undergo layoffs.

Staff photo by Greg Lynch BAE Systems employees walk into their new manufacturing facility for a grand opening event, Monday, May 12, 2008. The company announced Monday, March 15, 2010 that it will undergo layoffs.

By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 10:29 PM Monday, March 15, 2010

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Another 200 employees at BAE Systems could find themselves jobless this month as the company revealed it will undergo additional layoffs.

The announcement comes fewer than two weeks after the company revealed it would be cutting at least 100 employees as a result of losing a contract to arm the Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, or FMTV, to the Oshkosh Co. at the end of 2009, as well as the U.S. military announcing it would halt the purchasing of new armed Humvee vehicles.

In a statement released by the company Monday, March 15, the company said that it would cut another 150 to 200 positions at its West Chester Twp. facility, which manufactures armoring systems, kits and ballistic glass.

The move is part of BAE Systems’ “ongoing effort to generate needed cost savings, efficiencies and synergies that will better position our Security & Survivability business for growth in 2010 and beyond,” according to the statement.

The latest cuts, to occur this month, are in response to another work contract expected to end soon. Jennifer Robinson, spokeswoman for BAE Systems, did not indicate what that contract was.

Layoffs will primarily affect temporary contract workers, although officials said some full-time employees may be impacted as well. About 1,800 people are employed at the West Chester Twp. plant, including contractors, Robinson said.

“This is a sad day for us, and we regret having to make these type of announcements,” Robinson said. “We remain optimistic that our business will see improvements throughout the remainder of 2010.”

Full-time employees will receive severance packages, career transition assistance and the opportunity to apply for open positions within BAE Systems, according to the company.

BAE Systems has an enterprise zone agreement with West Chester Twp. It requires the company retain 542 full-time permanent employees and create 150 full-time permanent positions to remain in effect, according to Barb Wilson, township spokeswoman.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.

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