NORTH BERWICK, Maine (AP) -- Hundreds of jobs at a Pratt & Whitney plant in Maine could be at risk if Congress approves Defense Secretary Robert Gates' recommendation to halt production of the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet by 2011.
Foster's Daily Democrat says Pratt & Whitney's plant in North Berwick has about 250 employees who produce the jet's engine. The plant has a total work force of about 1,400.
Pratt & Whitney's parent company, Connecticut-based United Technologies Corp., said the company was "disappointed" with Gates' recommendation. Company officials have said halting production of the F-22 would lead to layoffs, but have not said how many positions would be cut or when.