Layoffs at Gerber Technology
The parent company of Tolland, Conn.–based technology provider Gerber Technology is laying off about 6 percent of its workforce, which will result in the termination of about 135 employees across the company’s divisions worldwide.
The move will result in the loss of about 50 workers at Gerber’s Connecticut offices. The decision comes as a result of a softening in demand for apparel, industrial fabrics and materials as well as the ophthalmic products that fall under the Gerber umbrella.
Gerber Technology produces design and production software as well as machinery for the apparel and textile industries. Its sister company, Gerber Coburn, produces ophthalmic products. They both operate under Gerber Scientific Corp., based in South Windsor, Conn.
Gerber spokesperson Gene Skayne did not specify how many employees will be laid off at Gerber Technology but said the layoffs will result in a $1 million charge due to severance payouts. Gerber has about 2,200 employees worldwide.
Gerber’s year-end results were actually up, with about a $1 million gain in profits, but Gerber Chief Executive Officer Marc T. Giles said the layoffs will help offset the current slowdown.
“While the longer-term outlook for our apparel-cutting and lens-processing equipment is positive hellip; we believe it is prudent to act aggressively now to respond to the current market softness,” Giles said in a statement. —Robert McAllister
