Force Protection to lay off 170 employees by the end of the year

LADSON, S.C. – General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection, located in Ladson, announced this week that they will lay off 170 jobs by the end of 2014.

“We have informed our workforce that approximately 170 jobs will be eliminated by the end of the year,” said Pete Keating, spokesperson for the company. “The largest reduction 143 will occur when the when Buffalo production ends in June. The company has arranged a variety of programs to assist these workers with their transition from General Dynamics.”

Force Protection Ladson branch employs 226 workers and manufactures the Buffalo, Cougar and peace-keeping security vehicles for the U.S. government and other international customers. As well as providing full-spectrum logistics support and sustainment services for all of its customers.

According to their website, “when it comes to protecting the troops, mission failure is not an option. That is why our General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection business works day and night to develop innovative products that provide militaries worldwide with the critical assets to save troops’ lives.”

Keating says the job cuts are in response to the change in the defense industry, and adds that the company is working to establish a center of excellence for protected mobility vehicles and integrated platform support in Ladson.

This new center will include a core team with representation from various departments to insure continuity with existing Marine Corps, DLA and international customers. It will focus on functions such as program management and integrated platform support activities. General Dynamic is also finalizing a strategic alliance with another South Carolina company to maintain vehicle fabrication and assembly in the local community.

Keating says employees at the Ladson Force Protection location have already been informed of job cuts taking place. The largest job reduction, which will impact 143 workers, will take place when the Buffalo production ends at the end of June.

The company has arranged a variety of programs to assist these workers with their transition from General Dynamics.