Spirit AeroSystems announces 150 layoffs at Kansas facility

WICHITA, Kan.—Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. is going ahead with previously announced job cuts, issuing layoff notices to approximately 150 workers at its Wichita, Kan., operation.

The company said “a significant number” of salaried employees have expressed interest in voluntary retirement and voluntary layoff programs.

First announced in July, the layoffs in Kansas are part of a larger plan to cut about 360 salaried support and management employees at its facilities in that state and in Oklahoma.

Spirit said it is offering a lump sum severance payment and career transition services to employees who are laid off, and a lump sum severance payment and enhanced healthcare and pension options to eligible employees who decide to participate in the voluntary retirement program.

The same day the company announced the 150 job cuts, it said it is hiring several hundred more factory workers, including assembly, composite, metals and process mechanics and quality inspectors.

Spirit said its backlog remains “robust” at about $38-billion.