Sikorsky closing S,Tier plant, 600 jobs

HORSEHEADS, NY (WIVB) - The Sikorsky plant will be closed in Horseheads, New York, leaving nearly 600 Southern Tier workers without a job.

The company announced Monday it will close its Military Completions Center by the end of the year.  Although the closing may have been rumored for some time, the news is devastating to the local economy which will be shaken by the ripple effect of the closing.

WENY TV, our CBS affiliate in Elmira, published the following statement from Sikorsky spokesman, Paul Jackson:

"Due to declining defense budgets and the continuing economic weakness in many markets, Sikorsky today informed employees of its intent to close the Sikorsky Military Completions Center (SMCC) in Horseheads as of December 31, 2012.  Faced with these difficult economic conditions, we must eliminate excess production capacity and increase operational efficiencies to remain competitive.  We will work with the employees to provide as much transition support as we can during this difficult time."