GM to lay off 340 at western NY engine plan

TONAWANDA, N.Y. - General Motors is placing nearly a third of workers at its westernNew York engine plant on an indefinite layoff, saying it needs to align production with consumer demand.

The GM Powertrain plant has about 1,130 hourly employees.

In a statement Tuesday, GM spokeswoman Nina Price cited the overall weak economy and said GM is continuing to monitor changes in the market.

The layoffs take effect Jan. 26.