Aerial Machine and Tool of Vesta, VA has announced the layoff of 50 employees due to the completion of a Defense contract. This impacts the Ararat, Stuart and Vesta plants.
Mt. Airy News on January 23, 2010 reported the following:
According to Aerial President, John Marcaccio, "all 3 plants are affected." He blamed the situation on the "ups and downs" of contracting with the Federal Government, which has curtailed orders. "It's just a reduction in our work force due to contracts slowing down", said Marcaccio. "Most of is associated with one particular contract" which involved fire suppression kits, which are manufactured for military transport vehicles.
As of January 2009, Aerial had 270 employees including 60 at Ararat site and the others at the headquarters at Vesta. In September, 2009 the company announced a third plant at Stuart, creating an initial 20 jobs.
The company is hopeful that the contracting activity would pickk up so that laid-off employees could be recalled. No timetable was given as to when this might happen.
According to their web site, Aerial produces products for :
> All branches of the US Military
> Military special operations
> Prime defense contractors
> Many allied foreign militaries
> Major airframe manufacturers
> Search and rescue organizations
> Police and law enforcement agencies
> Forestry departments
> Private industry
> Parts distributors
Aerial Machine and Tool headquarters are located on U. S. Route 58, Vesta, VA. For more information go to this web site:
Website: www.aerialmachineandtool.com
