Casey Presses General Cable on Plans for Altoona Facility Following Announced Layoffs

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced that he has sent a letter to General Cable pressing the company to lay out its future plans for its Altoona facility in the wake of layoffs that are set to take place in 2015. The company announced that it would relocate the specialty ignition wire set assembly operations to Mexico. The region has been home to General Cable since 1989 and earned a place on IndustryWeek magazine’s Best Plants list in 2009.

“I’m calling on General Cable to commit to the Altoona workforce in the wake of these announced layoffs,” Senator Casey said. “The workforce at General Cable in Altoona has proven itself over the years and has been recognized by national publications. Maintaining a strong presence in Altoona would aid General Cable and boost the region’s economy.”

The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below:

Dear Mr. Kenny and Mr. Lampert:

I write to express my concern regarding the recent announcement that General Cable plans to reduce the workforce at its facility in Altoona, Pennsylvania and relocate specialty ignition wire set assembly operations to Mexico. I understand that General Cable expects to lay off as many as 180 of the 210 workers currently employed at the Altoona plant. I am concerned about the impact that these layoffs will have on the affected workers, as well as on the local economy.

My top priority is to help create and maintain well-paying jobs in Pennsylvania, and I understand the important role that manufacturing plays in providing high-quality jobs and supporting local communities throughout the Commonwealth. As a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, I have prioritized tax provisions that encourage business investment and job creation, and support trade policies to help American manufacturers meet the challenge of foreign competition.

I recognize the difficulties facing domestic manufacturers, including competition from low-cost foreign competitors and the lasting impact of the recent recession. Nevertheless, the employees at General Cable’s Altoona plant have demonstrated a strong work ethic and a remarkable ability to adapt the changing economic climate since the facility first opened in 1989. As you know, the ability of the Altoona plant to meet the challenges of a changing global market earned it a place on IndustryWeek magazine’s Best Plants list in 2009. 

As you weigh any future decisions affecting jobs and economic activity at the Altoona plant, I ask that you consider this history, and I urge you to maintain General Cable’s longstanding commitment to the Pennsylvania workforce.

I also ask that you answer the following questions:

• What is your long-term vision for the Altoona plant as well as the plant in Williamsport, Pennsylvania?
• Do you anticipate additional workforce reductions that might negatively impact the Pennsylvania workforce?
• Are you currently taking all appropriate measures to leverage your existing investment in the skilled workforce at the Altoona facility?

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving your reply.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey, Jr.

United States Senator

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