UPDATE: Pratt & Whitney Laying Off 200 CT Workers

UPDATE: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24

On the heels of announcing 200 salaried worker layoffs at its two Connecticut plants, Pratt & Whitney says it has chosen Middletown to build some, and possibly the majority of, its commercial passenger jet airliner engines, according to a report from the Hartford Courant.

"These re-engined Airbus orders are likely to replace the assembly done of V2500 engines on the current Airbus models," the Courant is reporting, the news of which has left employees "pretty ecstatic."

Pratt's spokesman Bryan Kidder offered this statement: The Middletown facility "will continue to be the sole site for final assembly and testing of F135 engines for the U.S. military. As for final assembly and testing of F135 engines for foreign militaries, the company confirmed that this work will be performed at other sites.

Pratt will also "perform the final assembly and testing of the PurePower PW1100G-JM engine for the Airbus 320neo family of aircraft at multiple locations including the company’s Middletown facility, where the company will invest in a new line for this work."

Earlier Thursday, the company announced 300 layoffs nationwide, 200 of which will affect plants in Middletown and East Hartford, according to Kidder.

The cuts represent about 2 percent of Pratt's Connecticut workforce of 11,000.

Specific numbers by facility are not available, Kidder said, and the reductions are across all activities.

"Pratt & Whitney continuously assesses staffing levels to ensure they are in line with current business and economic conditions," he said in a statement. "When necessary, we make staffing adjustments required to keep our cost structure competitive. As such, Pratt & Whitney is reducing its salaried workforce by approximately 300 positions company-wide, including approximately 200 positions in Connecticut, effective immediately."

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Thursday he was optimistic that these layoffs, although not good news for those workers affected, would allow the company to begin to realize growth in the near future.

“When these announcements are viewed in the context of our overall economy, it’s still clear we are moving in the right direction," Malloy said in a statement. "The unemployment rate is down 20 percent from last January, and it’s a full half-point below the national average. 

For Pratt and Whitney, Malloy said, "it’s my hope that the announcement today of their continued involvement in the assembly of engines for Airbus will in the long run make up for the jobs lost today. The multi-million dollar investment they’re making in their facility in Middletown will set the foundation for growth that will mean well-paying jobs for our residents."

Saying he was concerned about the needs of displaced workers, Sen. Len Suzio (R-13th), wrote to the Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Glenn Marshall.

"I am requesting that you immediately dispatch your Rapid Response Team to address the needs of the displaced workers as a result of the layoffs," Suzio wrote. "I would like my office to be notified of any meetings taking place between Pratt & Whitney and the Department of Labor so that I can participate in helping those who will be losing their employment."

The governor said job losses in Connecticut are always difficult to endure. It’s why our top priority every day is job creation.”

Kidder echoed Malloy's sentiments.

"These decisions are necessary to carefully manage our cost structure while continuing to invest in our future," his statement continued. "Taking actions to manage our cost structure today, while continuing to invest in new programs, positions Pratt & Whitney for the long term and ensures a strong future for the company, our employees, customers and shareowners."

Pratt & Whitney designs, manufactures and services aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.

Original article:

Pratt & Whitney announced 300 layoffs nationwide Thursday, May 24, 200 of which will affect plants in Middletown and East Hartford, according to media relations manager Bryan Kidder.

The cuts represent about 2 percent of Pratt's Connecticut workforce of 11,000.

Specific numbers by facility are not available, Kidder said, and the reductions are across all activities.

"Pratt & Whitney continuously assesses staffing levels to ensure they are in line with current business and economic conditions," he said in a statement. "When necessary, we make staffing adjustments required to keep our cost structure competitive. As such, Pratt & Whitney is reducing its salaried workforce by approximately 300 positions company-wide, including approximately 200 positions in Connecticut, effective immediately."

"These decisions are necessary to carefully manage our cost structure while continuing to invest in our future," the statement continued. "Taking actions to manage our cost structure today, while continuing to invest in new programs, positions Pratt & Whitney for the long term and ensures a strong future for the company, our employees, customers and shareowners."

Pratt & Whitney designs, manufactures and services aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.

Gov. Malloy released a statement in response to the Pratt layoffs:

“When these announcements are viewed in the context of our overall economy, it’s still clear we are moving in the right direction. The unemployment rate is down 20 percent from last January, and it’s a full half-point below the national average."

The statement continued:

"In the case of Pratt and Whitney, it’s my hope that the announcement today of their continued involvement in the assembly of engines for Airbus will in the long run make up for the jobs lost today. The multi-million dollar investment they’re making in their facility in Middletown will set the foundation for growth that will mean well paying jobs for our residents. All of that said, it’s still discouraging to hear about job losses – and it’s why our top priority every day is job creation.”