[March 16, 2009] Dielectric Solutions lays off workers Tweet (The Leader-Times Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Mar. 14--Local glass-fiber products maker Dielectric Solutions laid off an undisclosed number of workers this week, but remains operational, as the slowing economy continues to take its toll on manufacturing companies. The company operates in the former 5 Rubber Plant building in the north end of the borough where it employs about 70 technical and administrative workers to manufacture a lightweight, thin, glass-fiber weaved fabric used in high-speed electronic applications in various hi-tech industries. "The layoffs are temporary due to business circumstances," said Ken Beer, Dielectric Solutions vice president of marketing. "Dielectric Solutions values the dedication and skills of its workforce and expects to recall workers as soon as orders pick up. We're hoping it's weeks, not months. We have a wonderful workforce that we want to see back." "These are adjustments to maintain the integrity of the business," he said. Beer declined to give the number of workers included in the layoffs. Beer said the company will remain operational during the slowdown, dispelling rumors that the plant had closed. All operations in the plant, including glass melting, fiber forming and weaving the materials, although using a reduced workforce, will be functioning, he said. Dielectric will continue to produce products, ship orders and take new orders for its customers and qualify new customers. The company recently was qualified in two new and large markets. It is currently in the process of building up those markets and expects to be in full production later this year, according to Beer. "It's in the ramp stage," he said. "Our business plan is focused on those markets we view as stable," Beer said. "Our products offer customers in these new markets improved performance and an advantage over the competition." Dielectric will present an industry paper at a major global electronic trade association show, the IPC 2009 APEX Expo in Las Vegas, on March 31. There, Dielectrics Solutions officials will feature the company's new electronic fabrics product. The paper also will be featured in the next issue of "Printed Circuit Design." "This new product and technology is cutting-edge in the high-speed digital electronics market," Beer said. "Dielectric Solutions expects a bright future and sees this current slowdown as temporary." To see more of The Leader-Times or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadertimes/. Copyright (c) 2009, The Leader-Times, Kittanning, Pa. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]