CLIFTON SPRINGS - Thirty employees at G.W. Lisk Co. will lose their jobs this week as the company reduces its workforce 6 percent. The private, locally-owned company makes electronic parts used in transportation, construction and mining, factory automation and the aerospace industries.

The layoffs are primarily full-time workers in production, technical support and support personnel, said G.W. Lisk President Mark Kowalski today. 

“It is obvious we are seeing the effect of the economic downturn in our organization,” Kowalski said.

The factory on South Street has been operating for more than 60 years. In January, the company learned Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, who masterfully steered his failed jetliner to a soft landing on the Hudson River on Jan. 15, had relied on a key component built by G.W. Lisk.

Kowalski said the company began tightening its belt months ago with the general downturn in the economy, cutting costs by reducing overtime, cutting hours in some departments and reducing spending in other areas as well.

Few have been retiring from the company, he said, as G.W. Lisk tends to keep its employees for a long time. They like it here, he said, adding, “That is what hurts so bad.”

Before the layoffs, the company had about 530 employees, he said, bringing that now to 500.

“It is very difficult for the families,” said Kowalski. He said all employees, including those laid off this week, had received their 2008 bonuses. G.W. Lisk has contracted with a private company to provide those laid off with job counseling, he said.

Kowalski said he doesn’t anticipate any more layoffs. “The economic future is always uncertain,” he said, “but we have no additional layoffs planned.”