Freightliner cuts 225 jobs

Concerns about the shrinking recreation vehicle (RV) and walkin van markets — again — forced Freightliner Customer Chassis Corporation to trim its work force here.

The company announced Wednesday it will layoff 225 workers, effective Sept. 15. The Gaffney Ledger first reported the planned layoff in Wednesday's newspaper.

In June, the company gave pink slips to 40 workers. Earlier this month, Freightliner announced it was laying off approximately 100 workers and eliminating a work shift. That layoff will be effective Sept. 8.

The plant, located on Hyatt Street, had employed nearly 800 people prior to the first round of layoffs.

Cherokee County Development Board Director Jim Cook said the layoffs shouldn't come as a surprise because of soaring fuel costs.

"It's not good if you are affected by the layoff, but the good news is that they aren't shutting down," Cook said. "It's an adjustment to a tight economy."

Cook said the local economy should get a boost when ammunition maker DSE begins hiring soon. The plant, located on Hwy. 329, is expected to employ as many as 200.

"We are working hard to keep our local economy diversified so we aren't so dependent on one sector of the economy," Cook said.

Cook added several industries have expressed an interest in locating in the county, but no announcement is imminent.