Armor company BAE Systems to cut 300 US jobs

CINCINNATI: A company that puts protective armor on vehicles has said it will cut about 300 more jobs in southwest Ohio due partly to the loss of a key US Army contract.

BAE Systems Inc said in a statement on Wednesday that leaner defense budgets and the global economy also contributed to the need for cuts at its plant near the northern Cincinnati suburb of Fairfield. The layoffs follow cuts earlier this year that resulted in the loss of more than 600 jobs.

The Rockville, Maryland-based company says it will employ about 850 in the Cincinnati area after the latest cuts.

Company officials say reductions are necessary to control costs and remain competitive.

BAE Systems Inc. is a subsidiary of British defense conglomerate BAE Systems PLC.