Layoffs Begin At Philips Facility In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — More than 30 workers were notified late last week that their jobs will be eliminated at the end of March as part of the first round of layoffs at Respironics Novametrix, a division of Philips, in Wallingford. Philips, the international electronics giant that is currently focusing on health technology, announced in June 2018 that it would close its Wallingford facility at 5 Technology Dr. by the end of 2020.

All 140 positions currently at the site will be terminated. Philips sent a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice to the state Department of Labor last Friday that 32 employees will be laid off on March 31. The WARN Act requires that employers give official notice to certain government units or officials of a pending plant closure.

“Employees are being notified of their transition dates in phases throughout the year,” Mario Fante, a Philips spokesman, said in an email to Patch. “Last week, approximately 30 employees were provided this notification, as part of the transition plan schedule.

“Philips will continue to work closely with affected employees, to carefully manage the transition and ensure appropriate assistance and resources are available at this time.”

The company intends to “offer severance and other benefits, including outplacement services to the affected employees,” according to the WARN notice. “It is our hope that these programs will lessen the impact of the plant closure on individual employees and on the community as a whole.”