Sikorsky to lay off 200 workers, most will be in Connecticut

STRATFORD – Sikorsky Aircraft officials say that economic uncertainty and shrinking foreign and domestic government budgets are forcing the company to lay off about 200 workers, most of which are in Connecticut.

Company spokesman Paul Jackson said the layoffs represent about one percent of the company’s total workforce of more than 16,000. The helicopter maker, which is a division of United Technologies, employs more than 8,600 in Connecticut, Jackson said.

“Sikorsky continues to look to a promising future, but today we face difficult challenges,” Jackson said in a statement. “Our costs to compete are increasing, and many customers are delaying purchase decisions amid the economic uncertainty. Given all this, we must do all we can to protect our competitiveness while continuing to invest in our future.”

The company will provide those being laid off with outplacement services as well as other benefits, Jackson said.

Sikorsky has operations in eight other states besides Connecticut, he said. The layoffs other than the ones occurring in Connecticut will be spread across those other facilities.

Source:  http://nhregister.com