Leggett & Platt lays off Carthage workers

Leggett & Platt has laid off workers at several of its Carthage facilities as the manufacturer encounters what President and CEO David Haffner calls "some of the most challenging economic times we have seen in decades."

The company cut 40 positions at its corporate office and between 20 and 30 jobs each at two Carthage manufacturing facilities, effective Nov. 21, according to Senior Vice President of Human Resources John Hale. In a letter to employees, Haffner said the company is taking numerous steps to reduce costs.

"The decision to eliminate positions is always difficult, but our Leggett managers, like countless other managers around the United States, and indeed the world, are making these tough decisions in order to adjust to softer demands while simultaneously respecting the interests of our shareholders, the company and the remaining partners," Haffner said.

Hale said the company began cutting costs through attrition about 10 weeks ago. Employees at several of the Carthage manufacturing facilities also have had workweeks reduced, and workers are encouraged to take vacation as a way to reduce production levels, Hale said.

Leggett & Platt employs about 2,400 people in southwest Missouri, though the manufacturer has more than 250 facilities worldwide. Its corporate office in Carthage employs about 700, according to Hale. The company designs and produces a variety of engineered components for residential and office furniture, automobiles and bedding industry machinery.

In the letter, Haffner told employees that the company is "well positioned to weather this economic storm," and it maintains "strong operating cash flow, relatively low debt levels" and "access to adequate credit."