Torrington-based manufacturer Franklin Products Inc., which makes cushions for airlines, notified the Connecticut Department of Labor of its intention to permanently layoff 129 employees largely due to a downturn in business.
The letter signed by Franklin Products President Kerri Picard said the company was able to access “limited assistance” through federal stimulus funds, but will be unable to maintain its workforce after June 28.
“This mass layoff is expected to be permanent,” Picard’s letter said. “These are business circumstances that were not reasonably foreseeable.”
Franklin Products has 11 locations worldwide, but the 129 layoffs to which the WARN notice refers will all be in the Torrington facility. The company did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday morning.
Layoffs, which include everything from 19 sewing operators to nine design engineers, will start on July 10, the letter said. All will be complete by July 31.
The aviation industry has been hit especially hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks reporting a 90% drop in passenger traffic on some days. Airline industry analysts have predicted a possible 20% to 30% cut in airlines’ workforce when stimulus funds dry up.