Harris Cuts Back in Carlsbad

Harris Corp. will move its Pacific broadcast console and cabinetry manufacturing operations to its headquarters in Cincinnati.
Until now those functions had been carried out in its Carlsbad, Calif., facility, which Harris obtained when it acquired Pacific Research & Engineering two years ago.
Approximately 60 employees are affected, according to spokeswoman Martha Rapp. Of those, about 10 will be transferred. Apparently the remaining 50 jobs will be lost, although Harris did not confirm that figure.
The company said about 15 engineers will remain in Carlsbad, functioning as its Pacific Design Center.
“We remain fully committed to the Pacific console and cabinetry business,” Rapp said. “This is a business decision vs. one necessitated by economic conditions.” She said the move, to be completed by mid-January, would improve efficiency and lower costs.
The Harris Broadcast Division, Rapp said, has enjoyed five consecutive record sales quarters. The company does not make those figures public.
According to one source, Harris is reviewing individual employee requests to relocate from Carlsbad on an as-needed basis and providing workers with severance packages, financial support programs and a career fair with other employers in the area.
Also affected is the small telemarketing office that Harris had operated out of the Carlsbad plant. That function is closed immediately. Harris has expanded the hours of its Broadcast Center in Cincinnati to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to serve West Coast callers.
Former PR&E President Jack Williams, now a consultant to Harris, remains with the company, Rapp said.