Spirit Aerosystems continued downsizing Thursday by laying off about 150 salaried and management employees in Wichita.
In addition to the layoffs, the company says a "significant number" of salaried employees have expressed interest in voluntary retirement and voluntary layoff programs.
Spirit issued a news release Thursday, saying it's offering a lump sum payment and career transition services to those who are laid off. Those who opt for voluntary retirement will get those benefits, plus enhanced healthcare and pension options.
Though it's laying off management, Spirit is hiring several hundred factory workers--this includes assembly, composite, metals, and process mechanics, as well as quality inspectors. Spirit says they're balancing their workforce to meet record demand and to be more competitive in a cost-sensitive environment.