A Rome-based company announced it will be laying off up to 40 positions this year. Officials from Revere Copper Products tried to paint a positive spin on it, saying the move would eventually lead to growth. Melissa Krull spoke with Rome's mayor, who echoed that sentiment. She explains why there's still optimism at the Rome factory despite Tuesday's news.
ROME, N.Y. -- About 350 people work at Revere Copper Products, but that number could be shrinking soon.
"There eventually could be layoffs and I'm not trying to be tricky with my words. We informed our employees yesterday of a change in our business model that really affects a small segment of our product offering," said Revere Vice President of Human Resources Timothy Rosbrook.
During the next few months, about 40 positions could be cut as the company hones its focus on the copper industry.
"We are gonna be exiting our brass business and our extrusion business. Part of the reason for this business change is copper is really what we consider our core competency. The manufacturing of copper is really what has been our strength for over two centuries," said Rosbrook.
He says some employees could be hired back as the company expands its copper business.
Rome mayor Jacqueline Izzo says this might be one of the few times when layoffs are indicative of better things to come.
"As a mayor you always hope to retain all the jobs in your community, and hopefully grow more. So from that standpoint, we don't like to see anyone lose a job, that's for sure. But I think the company's long-term outlook is better in this situation, so hopefully we will be able to watch them grow," said Mayor Izzo.
The layoffs are expected to happen within the next two to six months.