Oswego Wire plans to lay off more than half its workers

OSWEGO, N.Y. -- "Am I happy? No I'm not happy!" said Oswego resident Roy Villegas.



On Monday, Oswego Wire announced plans to move production of some bare wire products made in Oswego to Indiana in an effort to reduce cost. This change means the company will lay off more than half of its 93 employees by the end of the month.


The company, which is owned by Coleman Cable, will stay in operation and be left with about 40 workers.


In a statement, Executive Vice President Richard Carr said, "We believe these changes will allow Coleman Cable to control costs in these challenging economic times while at the same time allow us to focus on and improve our manufacturing practices and customer service for our valuable Oswego Wire customer base."

"I have a family and it will just be something that we have to accept due to our economy I would imagine," said Villegas.

Villegas has worked at Oswego Wire for 16 years. He was laid off on Tuesday and while he may be out of a job, he is grateful for the opportunity the company gave him.


“It wasn't the greatest job, but it was a job. I look forward to new adventures you might say," said Villegas.


The company's director of human resources says employees who have been laid off will receive pay and benefits through mid November as they look for other opportunities. But as Oswego Wire reorganizes its resources, it serves as the latest company to fall victim of rising costs and a slumping economy.
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