Company that makes auto parts lays off 71
10:26 a.m.
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The Associated Press - Published: January 6, 2009
BENNINGTON - A Bennington plant that makes auto parts is continuing to reduce its work force.
The latest layoffs at NSK Steering Systems America brings to a total of 200 the number of layoffs since October.
NSK Human Resources Manager Gregory Laurin says 51 hourly employees and 20 salaried employees were laid off Dec. 19 when the plant shut down because automakers shut down their assembly plants during the holidays.
Laurin says the company's orders have "dried up" as automakers cope with the recession.
One NSK production line restarted on Monday and more could follow.
Laurin says if the orders resume, some of the laid off workers could be called back.
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