An auto parts manufacturer in Simpson County is shedding jobs as it looks to streamline operations and remain competitive.
Harman International announced Wednesday that it will eliminate 215 jobs over the next two-and-a-half years. Some of the work will be relocated to Mexico.
Simpson County Judge-Executive Jim Henderson says the jobs news isn’t all bad, however. He told WKU Public Radio that Sumitomo is preparing to hire 100 workers at its new plant by the end of the year.
"If there is such a good thing as a good part to a company having to lay off some employees is that there are opportunities for those employees to find work still in our community, and I think good jobs," commented Henderson.
Another auto part supplier, Fritz Winter, is building a manufacturing plant and looking to hire up to 350 workers over the next five years.
Layoffs at Harman will begin at the end of the year. The company’s Franklin workforce will be left with 110 employees, compared to the 335 who are there now.
