Boeing to lay off up to 600 workers in San Antonio
Local aerospace industry takes another hit
Charles Gonzalez, Anchor/Reporter
Boeing announced Friday it will reduce its San Antonio workforce by up to 600 employees and contract labor.
"As work is nearing completion on some programs at the Boeing San Antonio facility, workforce reductions are required," read part of a statement the company released Friday.
A spokesperson said the completed work involved commercial refurbishment, and while future projects could arrive, current market conditions called for the layoffs.
Port San Antonio President Bruce Miller responded in a statement saying, "Boeing is an important part of the Port's success and our community's future. We regret hearing about this workforce reduction and our thoughts are with the affected families. Though unfortunate for the impacted workers, we believe this is a temporary setback as Boeing's Port San Antonio operation continues to transition to commercial and other projects."
Boeing has had a presence in San Antonio since 1998.
In April 2013, Pratt & Whitney announced plans to close operations in San Antonio, moving 125 jobs out of the area. Six months later, an extension of 36th Street opened up an additional 400 acres of land for development in Port San Antonio. Miller believes the two recent departures are not a trend.
"San Antonio has seen important growth in the aerospace sector in the last decade, and much of it has taken place at the Port," said Miller in the statement. "This is precisely why we are engaged on an ongoing basis with all our customers and are collaborating with community stakeholders to create an environment that supports the growth of the aerospace industry at the Port and in the region."
All affected Boeing employees were given 60-day notices Friday and their last day of employment is May 2. The company is providing career transition services to those affected.