Two Tri-Cities businesses are blaming recent layoffs on the tight economy and a drop in demand for helicopter parts and services.
Edwards & Associates and its subsidiary, Aeronautical Accessories, laid off five and 45 employees, respectively, company spokeswoman Carolyn Ferrell said in a news release issued Monday.
“We are sad to have to let people go,” Edwards & Associates President Greg Williams said in the release. “Today, Americans are in unprecedented times and our companies are no exception.”
Edwards & Associates has repaired and outfitted helicopters out of its facilities in Bristol, Tenn., and Piney Flats, Tenn., since 1977.
Aeronautical Accessories, based in Piney Flats, makes parts for five helicopter manufacturers.
Both companies merged with Textron Inc. in 1999 and are now affiliated with Bell Helicopter.
In the release, Ferrell said affected employees will be given top priority for jobs at Bell Helicopter in Texas and Maryland. They also will receive severance packages and one month’s worth of health care benefits, Ferrell said.
Since Sept. 1, Edwards & Associates is the third Sullivan County business to announce plans to lay off more than 50 employees, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.Citing recent cuts to TennCare’s home-based care services, Gentiva Health Services announced in September that it was laying off 88 workers at its Kingsport, Tenn., office.
On Feb. 2, King Pharmaceuticals announced it was laying off 72 employees at its Bristol, Tenn., facility. This layoff will take place from March 31 through April 13.
gmclean@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2518
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