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Northrop Grumman Vows to Help Norwalk Workers

NORWALK, Conn. – The following is a statement from Jack Martin Jr., director of public relations at Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems:

"Northrop Grumman today announced plans to close its engineering and manufacturing facility in Norwalk, Conn., and consolidate the work at existing company facilities in Baltimore, Md., and Rolling Meadows, Ill. Employees at the Norwalk facility were notified in a meeting with company officials earlier today.

"This decision is in no way a reflection on the dedication, professionalism or contributions of our Norwalk employee population. We have long valued these employees as an important part of our company and the loss of these employees from our team is by far the most difficult part of this decision.

"The business consolidation – which will result in the closure of the company's facility at 10 Norden Place in Norwalk – is expected to be completed over an 18 month period. There are currently a total of about 315 employees at the Norwalk facility. Approximately 30 to 50 Norwalk employees will receive offers of continuing employment at other company locations, mostly at Baltimore or Rolling Meadows. The only business activity that will remain in Norwalk involves a radar test range operation, which will be staffed by a team of approximately five technical personnel.

"The decision to vacate the Norwalk facility was based on an extensive analysis by the company of manufacturing capacity and plant utilization aimed at identifying ways to improve business efficiency and overall affordability. Today, our Norwalk facility is operating at only about 50 percent of capacity. This low level of utilization is simply not economically sustainable in today's environment. Together, our Baltimore and Rolling Meadows facilities have the plant capacity to accommodate the work currently being performed in Norwalk.

"By consolidating the Norwalk business into our Baltimore and Rolling Meadows facilities, the company will achieve the cost efficiencies necessary to remain competitive in the defense industry.

"Northrop Grumman will offer comprehensive outplacement services to assist impacted employees at Norwalk in their search for new employment. Affected employees will also be eligible for a variety of severance and other benefits. And all employees are eligible to apply for any job openings at other Northrop Grumman locations for which they may be qualified."

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