Mon, Jan 12, 2009
About 25 Percent Of London, Ontario Workforce Laid Off
The latest casualty of the worldwide economic crisis is Diamond
Aircraft, which announced Monday it will furlough roughly 25
percent of its current production workforce in London, Ontario,
effective immediately.
"Reflecting an industry wide decrease in demand, Diamond is
forced to adjust its propeller aircraft production workforce to
align with current inventory and sales levels," stated a company
release. "Accordingly, Diamond's London Ontario facility has issued
temporary lay-off (furlough) notices to 180 of its 684 employees,
effective January 12th, 2009."
Diamond tells ANN the temporary lay-offs stem primarily
from a reduction of DA40 XLS production rates, to reflect the
current industry wide low retail sales levels and to prevent the
build-up of excessive inventories.
"As painful as this decision is, for our employees and our
business partners, it is fiscally responsible and necessary for the
long term health of our company." said Peter Maurer, President of
Diamond Aircraft Industries. "On the positive side, although
private customer retail sales are currently weak, fleet orders for
the flight training market remain strong with stable demand for the
DA20, over 50 DA40's on order for 2009 so far, and a growing order
book for the Lycoming powered DA42 twin as well. With the near term
introduction of the DA42 L360, and a reduction in new aircraft
inventory levels over the next several months, we hope to recall
our furloughed employees as soon as possible."
Diamond's London facility produces the single engine DA20
two-seater, the single engine Lycoming powered DA40 four seater,
the twin-engine Lycoming powered DA42 L360 four-seater and is
developing and certifying the D-Jet, a single engine personal light
jet.
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