Jan 10, 2020 4:04 PM

Aircraft parts maker will lay off 20% of workforce in Kansas

Posted Jan 10, 2020 4:04 PM
Parking lot at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita -google image
Parking lot at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita -google image

By Nick Gosnell

Wichita's largest employer faces large layoffs in light of uncertainty over when 737 MAX jets will return to service. Spirit AeroSystems plans to lay off more than 20% of its workforce in Wichita.

CEO Tom Gentile said in a Friday release that 2,800 workers would be laid off, with the possibility of more to follow based on what final production rates are agreed with Boeing.

Spirit builds the fuselage, thrust reversers, engine pylons and wing components on the 737 MAX. That program accounts for more than 50% of its more than $7 billion annual revenue. Its workshare accounts for 70% of the airplane's structure.

Spirit also plans cuts in Tulsa and McAlester, Oklahoma. Employees will receive compensation for the applicable 60-day notice period. Spirit’s Wichita employees affected by these layoffs will start exiting the company beginning January 22.

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Jan 10, 2020 4:04 PM
Police catch 2 drug suspects driving on the wrong side of Kan. road
Police catch 2 drug suspects driving on the wrong side of Kan. road
Gutierrez photo Cowley County Sheriff 

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

On December 7, a police officer conducted a traffic stop on vehicle in the 500 block of North Sixth Street in Arkansas City for driving on the wrong side of the roadway, according to a media release.

The vehicle had three occupants.

During the traffic stop, the officer determined that the tag on the vehicle had expired and the vehicle had an open title that did not show proper ownership or proof of insurance.

Because the vehicle could not be operated legally on a city street, officers conducted an inventory of the vehicle prior to its being towed from the scene. During this search, they discovered items of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine.

Further investigation led to the arrest of two of the passengers. Larry Charles Armstrong Jr., 37, Ponca City, Oklahoma, was arrested on requested charges of one felony count each of no drug tax stamp and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

They also arrested Jamie Hugo Gutierrez, 26, Ponca City, Oklahoma, on requested charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Both Armstrong and Gutierrez remained in custody.

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