Thomas Built Buses Lay Off Another 205 Employees

High Point -- The bus building company based out of High Point announced Friday that they will lay off an additional 205 employees.

A statement issued by Thomas Built Buses reads:

"Due to ongoing lower order activity in the school bus industry, which is expected to continue as the current economic recession impacts state and local school transportation budgets, Thomas Built Buses today gave notice that a reduction in force of up to 195 hourly plant workers will be required. Approximately 10 salaried positions will also be affected. The layoffs will take effect on October 31, 2008.

Local union representatives were notified today of the planned reduction in force. Thomas has been operating on a modified build schedule in an effort to sustain as much of the workforce as possible. Unfortunately, this effort has not proven sufficient in today's difficult market conditions.

The four Thomas Built manufacturing plants are located in High Point, North Carolina and currently employ approximately 1,200 employees. "

The company cut 190 jobs at the beginning of June this year due to shrinking demand for new buses.