Howmet Aerospace is set to lay off a total of 265 employees by November as less air traffic lowers sales, WSBT reports.

Layoffs at its plant in LaPorte, IN, began in early September when Howmet let 115 workers go.  Another 85 people are slating for layoffs on October 1, with 65 workers leaving on November 1, according to WSBT.

In August, Howmet reported Fastening Systems revenue decreased 18% to $326 million in the second quarter of 2020 due to declines in the commercial aerospace and commercial transportation markets, primarily driven by COVID-19 and 737 MAX production declines.  Segment operating profit fell 29% to $70 million, driven by volume declines, impacts from higher employee absenteeism due to COVID-19, and delayed cost actions in Europe.  Segment operating profit margin decreased 330 basis points to 21.5%.

Fastening Systems sales during the first half of 2020 dropped 10.4% to $711 million, with operating profit down 14.8% to $166 million.  Segment capital expenditures declined 11.7% to $15 million.

Howmet Aerospace officially split from Arconic on April 1 to become an independent company composed of engine products, fastening systems, engineered structures and forged wheels businesses.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Howmet Aerospace’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts for aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation.  Web: Howmet.com