By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – Textron Marine and Land Systems in Slidell will soon be laying off a large number of workers due to reorganization of its two local plants, brought on by a change in its major vehicle production programs.
Textron operates in Slidell from its Gause Boulevard main office, as well as the Front Street and Stone Road facilities.
Public Relations Spokesman Tom Williams said that recent news stories saying up to 200 employees would be laid off was inaccurate.
“The coverage you have seen over the past few days is incorrect in reporting that approximately 200 employees will be part of this reduction,” Williams said. “The number will be less than that figure.
“In another story from AP it indicates that the production line is closing/shutting down. That, too, is not correct,” he said.
Williams said he was still not able to release the exact number of workers Textron will be letting go, but said the company hoped to rehire many next year, referencing the fact that Textron recently was named to fill a contract that will supply Bulgaria with 10 COMMANDO Select vehicles.
Williams did acknowledge there will be a reduction in work force and Slidell employees were informed of this with a 60-day notification. He said the company expects to start vehicle production next year and at that point, will look at staffing with the intention to rehire some of the affected workers.
Textron is working with the Louisiana Workforce Commission to assist the affected employees and provide orientation sessions for those who are layed off so they can seek new employment. Textron is hosting a Job Fair that was planned to assist the employees who will be layed off.