BAE-Hattiesburg downsizes

Global aerospace and defense contract giant BAE Systems is down-sizing its workforce in Hattiesburg, Miss. Company officials announced the Rawls Springs Loop Road facility will cut back 18 positions – reducing the south-central Mississippi facility’s workforce to 48. Cutbacks are the result of delays in the U.S. government’s sale of 145 M777 howitzers to India, as well as the completion of full-rate M777 production at the Hattiesburg plant. Affected workers are eligible for severance packages; and may apply for open positions within BAE Systems. The firm has been in Hattiesburg for more than a decade. Source: Hattiesburg American, 04/09/14.