Defense contractor, 530 jobs leaving San Diego

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/may/15/pratt-whitney-relocation-texas-florida-georgia/



Pratt & Whitney engines are seen here during a media day tour company headquarters in East Hartford, Conn., Wednesday, March 31, 2010.

Defense contractor, 530 jobs leaving San Diego
By Jonathan Horn4:42 p.m.
May 15, 2014

Defense contractor Pratt & Whitney AeroPower is moving out of San Diego.

The defense contractor announced Thursday that over the next two years it will close its facility on Ruffin Road, which employs 530 people. The facility is the base for the company's division that manufactures airline auxiliary power units.

"This decision, while a difficult one to make, is necessary to maintain our competitiveness in the market, further leverage Pratt & Whitney’s network and best position the company for the future," Spokesman Ray Hernandez said in a statement. "This decision is by no means a reflection on the performance of Pratt & Whitney AeroPower employees. The company realizes the impact this realignment will have on employees and we are committed to supporting those affected during this transition period."

Pratt & Whitney AeroPower's military APU business will transition to Pratt & Whitney's Military Engines organization. Its facilities in Florida, Georgia and Texas are being considered for the military operation's relocation. The commercial side will go to Pratt & Whitney Canada, with much of the work being performed at its Rzeszow, Poland facility.