Honeywell tells 470 workers they will be laid off after N-95 demands drop

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE)- Honeywell International told 470 of its employees on Wednesday that they will be laid off after the demand for N-95 masks has dropped.

A spokesperson from the company said that it plans to stop producing masks after it “invested in establishing N95 respirator production at multiple facilities.”

All of the employees that were hired in order to improve N-95 production, will be laid off.

“We are now seeing a dramatic reduction in demand for N95s in the U.S. as many states are ending or scaling back mask mandates and vaccinations are being widely distributed. For these reasons, Honeywell is adjusting its N95 operations and ceasing manual production of N95s at our facility in Smithfield, R.I,” the spokesperson said.

Honeywell is encouraging those that are being laid off to apply for other positions with the company.

“We realize this affects our valued employees and we are encouraging them to apply for other roles within Honeywell. Those eligible will be offered severance per Honeywell policy and local laws.”