Pratt and Whitney leaving Claremore, workers lose jobs

The news isn't so good for workers at a Rogers County plant. It's shutting down, and that means 200 people will lose their jobs. <br><br>Pratt and Whitney says a nationwide slowdown since September

Wednesday, March 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The news isn't so good for workers at a Rogers County plant. It's shutting down, and that means 200 people will lose their jobs.

Pratt and Whitney says a nationwide slowdown since September 11th means it will close the plant in Claremore. It repairs jet engine parts. The company will consolidate its Claremore operations to another facility in Dallas.

Chamber of Commerce officials are hopeful, despite the loss, the area economy as a whole, will recover. Mike Tedford with the Claremore Chamber, "We have had a very low unemployment rate in Rogers County, so we believe they'll be able to find job opportunities without having to leave Claremore."

Pratt and Whitney will offer severance benefits to workers, including health insurance and help in finding a new job. About 50 workers will be given the option of leaving Claremore, to take similar positions with the company in Dallas.