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UPDATED: Dassault Falcon Jet Laying Off 111 in Little Rock

2 min read

Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. of St. Cloud, France, will lay off 111 workers Little Rock and 42 employees have taken an "early out" program, according to a statement released by the company Friday evening.

The layoffs bring the private jet manufacturer’s Little Rock employee total to about 2,100, according to the release. Dassault operates a completions center at the Little Rock National Airport. The center paints and completes interiors on many of the company’s jets before the planes are delivered to customers.

The company had 2008 revenue of $3.2 billion, according to the list. The company’s U.S. headquarters are in Teterboro, N.J. The list relies on self-reported revenue figures from the company, and the employee total was estimated based on Arkansas Economic Development Commission figures.

The private jet manufacturing industry has struggled as orders have dropped due to the current economy.

"Each and every person affected by this layoff has been a valued member of our team and helped to contribute to our growth and success," said John Rosanvallon, president and CEO of Dassault Falcon.  "While we recognize the unfortunate impact this decision has on our employees and their families, we must face the reality of today’s market conditions and the significant challenges they pose to our industry."

Dassault isn’t alone in its woes. Hawker Beechcraft Corp. of Wichita, Kan., has undergone a series of layoffs since the beginning of the year and warned in fall 2008 that orders were drying up due to the economy. On Wednesday, Hawker announced it would require employees to take three involuntary furloughs before the calendar year’s end. In total, Hawker has announced it will cut 2,300 employees by Dec. 31, though it has not revealed the Little Rock impact.

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