LEWISTON – Elmet Technologies, a local maker of specialty lighting products, is laying off about 30 people.
The layoffs are the result of a reduction in work after one of Elmet’s biggest customers lost a significant account.
“They lost market share and we’re feeling the impact,” said Jack Jensen, chief executive of the Lisbon Street manufacturer. He declined to name the customer.
Jensen said he hopes the layoffs are temporary and that the employees will be recalled as soon as possible.
“We’re doing all we can to get new business,” said Jensen. He added that the company has had layoffs in the past and has been able to recall the employees once work picked up.
Since buying the business in late 2003, Jensen had been able to grow the company from 240 to 270 employees. The layoffs will return the company to its original work force.
Elmet Technologies works with molybdenum and tungsten metals to supply components for the lighting, semiconductor, automotive, fiberglass, aircraft and medical markets. Before Jensen bought the company, it was known as Philips Elmet, a manufacturer for Philips Lighting Co., the largest lighting company in the world.
The company has operated in Lewiston since 1929. It has grown from 50 employees and a 13,400-square-foot facility to one that has employed as many as 350 employees with a 220,000-square-foot plant.
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