Honeywell Reducing Metropolis Workforce by 18%

Citing "significant challenges in the nuclear industry," Honeywell on Tuesday morning announced a combined 18% reduction in its work force at its Metropolis facility.  

Honeywell spokesman Josh Byerly tells West Kentucky Star that 375 people work at the facility, including 106 hourly workers, 136 salaried workers, and 133 contractors. Of those, 22 full time employees employed directly with Honeywell and 47 contracted employees will be let go.  

The layoffs will occur at the end of March, according to Byerly. 

The company issued the following statement:

“Due to the significant challenges of the nuclear industry globally and the oversupply of uranium hexafluoride (UF6), Honeywell plans to reduce the production capacity of the Metropolis plant to better align with the demands of nuclear fuel customers.  Because of this, the company intends to reduce its full-time workforce by 22 positions, as well as a portion of the plant’s contractor team.  We are taking this action to better position the plant moving forward. We will continue to operate with a focus on safety, quality, delivery and service.”