LITTLETON, N.H. (AP) – A Milford-based manufacturing company says slow sales are the reason behind layoffs at its plant in Littleton.

Hitchiner Manufacturing, which makes metal casings for the automotive and aerospace industries, laid off 30 of its 300 Littleton-based workers on Wednesday.

“Companies have to respond to market adjustments. This is a response to the market,” said Gary Cassady, Hitchiner’s human resources manager in town.

At top production during the 1990s, Hithchiner employed about 750 people at two plants in Littleton. The other plant closed in 2000.

Hitchiner Manufacturing is one of the town’s top three employers, along with Littleton Regional Hospital and the Littleton Coin Company.