GE says it may cut 32 jobs: Fort Edward capacitor plant could be target of cost-cutting move; decision not yet final

The plant, which employs 200, makes large capacitors used by electric utilities and industrial customers, as well as smaller capacitors.

Last month, GE Energy said it plans to stop making the smaller capacitors at the factory and also extruded film, a raw material used in making capacitors. The move could result in the loss of 32 jobs.

GE Energy spokeswoman Chris Horne said that neither products are part of GE's core operations at the facility and that the company's "cost structure is not competitive" at the Fort Edward plant.

She said the company and the union representing workers at the plant are in the midst of a 60-day bargaining period during which employees can recommend alternative solutions to layoffs. That negotiating period ends early next month.

"After careful consideration of all recommendations, we will determine a final plan that we feel best supports the interest of the business and the affected employees," Horne said.

The United Electrical Workers of America Local 332 is planning a rally today at the plant to bring attention to the fact that jobs could be lost there. The plant has been in operation for more than 60 years.

"We want to bring this to the public," said Local 332 President Scott Gates. "We want people to be aware that GE the corporate giant is outsourcing the middle class for profits."

Gates said it's doubtful the union will be able to save all 32 jobs, but there are provisions in the union's contract that can help save some of them.

Horne stressed that no final decisions have been made and the 32 jobs only represent the number of people who work producing the small capacitors and the capacitor film. She said it is possible that some employees could be absorbed into other production lines or moved to another business unit.

"The business has taken several steps to reduce costs, but these actions have been insufficient," Horne said. "In addition, the capacitor manufacturing industry has shifted to another type of film technology, which is made with a different process than currently exists in Fort Edward."

GE Energy's largest local operation is in Schenectady, where the company makes steam turbines and generators used in power plants. That campus, which employs thousands, is also home to GE's worldwide renewable energy headquarters.

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