The economic downturn has led to more workers at Waupaca's largest employer losing their jobs. Foundry ThyssenKrupp Waupaca has announced 160 more layoffs. Company spokesman Matt Rhodes says those will occur in administrative, production and maintenance areas, effective April 3.
This is the second round of layoffs at ThyssenKrupp, which employs some 1600 people in Waupaca. The company laid off 70 workers last September. ThyssenKrupp also has plants in Marinette, Indiana and Tennessee. None of the laid off Waupaca workers will be offered positions at those locations.
Rhodes says the global business environment is a major factor in the decision. "Layoffs like this are always an option of last resort," he says, adding that the continued downturn in the automotive, heavy truck and construction industries impact ThyssenKrupp's operations.