MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) -- The chief executive of United Technologies Corp. said Monday that the diversified manufacturer may cut an additional 2,000 to 3,000 jobs in Connecticut if the Defense Department cancels production of the F-22 fighter jet.
CEO Louis Chenevert, speaking at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce in Middletown, said the Hartford-based conglomerate would make the cuts in addition to 11,600 job reductions in its global work force announced last week. He did not elaborate on whether jobs outside Connecticut would be affected by cancellation of the F-22.
Jet-engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of United Technologies, builds engines for the F-22, and subsidiary aerospace manufacturer Hamilton Sundstrand makes electrical power generation systems and electronic engine controls for the fighter.
United Technologies also owns Sikorsky Aircraft, Otis elevator and other businesses, has been sounding increasing warnings of tougher times to come. In January, it said it expects a difficult first half in 2009 after its fourth-quarter profit was hurt by declines in its elevator and air conditioning businesses.
UTC now employs 26,000 in Connecticut.
The Obama administration will announce its decision on the F-22 when it submits its Department of Defense budget to Congress in April.
United Technologies last week cut its profit forecast for the year and announced layoffs, mostly in administrative and other white-collar jobs, that amount to 5 percent of its work force,
"If we didn't take action, we'd affect our ability to recover," Chenevert said Monday.
Shares of the company climbed 58 cents to $41.15 in late afternoon trading.