Tank plant in Lima to lay off 83 next month

7/18/2008

LIMA, Ohio A slowdown in military contract orders will result in the layoff next month of 83 workers at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, formerly the Lima Tank plant.

Plant manager Keith Deters said the job cuts are the result of the Marine Corps reducing orders for a mine-resistant vehicle. The plant, which has about 1,000 employees and is managed jointly by General Dynamics Corp. and the federal government, makes military vehicles and armor including the Abrams M1A2 tank and chassis for the U.S. Army Stryker combat vehicle.

Mr. Deters said some laid-off workers could be recalled if orders increase next spring.