Arkansas Business

Rheem has confirmed to Arkansas Business reports that it plans to lay off 75-100 hourly employees at its Fort Smith plant in January.

The company passed along this statement, about its plans for the HVAC unit production plan in Fort Smith:

"Today's HVAC manufacturing process is cyclical in nature, and to remain competitive, we often have to make staffing adjustments to reflect changing business conditions. Today in Fort Smith, we’ve announced a layoff of 75-100 hourly employees, effective Jan. 11, 2013, as a result of seasonal adjustments in volume. Today’s adjustment is consistent with annual staffing changes at this time of year. Rheem is constantly evaluating its employment needs for competitiveness, and we will make staffing modifications in the future as market conditions change."

Rheem would not confirm the number of employees currently working in Fort Smith or how many would remain after the layoffs.

It's another blow to city that's been hit hard by departuring companies, including those that like to tout their U.S. manufacturing bonifieds in newspaper ads.