Hartford-based fabricated metals manufacturer
Helgesen plans to reduce its staff by 102 positions across two locations, according to a notice sent to state and local officials.
The facilities are located at 1055 W. Sumner St. and 1720 Innovation Way, both in Hartford.
The company, which make hydraulic tanks for a number of applications, called the staffing reductions “an inevitable result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact to our customers’ demand.”
Helgesen implemented voluntary three-week furloughs and rotating mandatory one-week furloughs in late March as it saw the first signs of customer demand falling due to the coronavirus.
The company shut down production the week of April 20 in response to diminished forecasts and customers’ response to the pandemic and then implemented long-term furloughs on April 27. A company-wide shutdown was also implemented the week of June 29.
“It was always our desire to bring all staff back to work after customer demand stabilized and businesses reopened,” Nate Marshal, president of Helgesen, wrote in the notice. “However, the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, its economic impact on the fabricated metals industry and foreseeable impact to customer demand has regrettably driven the necessity for an overall permanent reduction in staff at Helgesen.”
Forty of the 102 positions the company is cutting are in welding. Another 15 are in paint, 13 in shipping, receiving and material handling and 10 in engineering and manufacturing support. Another nine work in laser cutting, five are press brake operators, six are in assembly and four are in administration.
Marshall did not immediately return a message seeking additional comment.
