200 people laid off in West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - ITT Exelis in West Springfield notified 200 employees they will be laid off on June 28th.  

Spokesperson Jared Adams told 22News the company is moving its manufacturing offices to Rochester, NY and closing its West Springfield facility.  20 people will get to stay in Western Massachusetts at a location to be announced.  Another dozen people will be able to relocate to Rochester. 

ITT Exelis describes itself as a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense and information solutions company.

Adams says the decision was made because of an anticipated reduction in US defense spending, the drawing down of forces overseas and the threat of sequestration on March 1st.

ITT Exelis has been in West Springfield for more than 25 years.  The employees will get a severance package, and an additional $1000 bonus if they stay on through June 28th.