Boeing to drop up to 2,300 workers

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CHICAGO, March 23 (UPI) -- U.S. industrial giant Boeing said it would cut its workforce in Seattle by up to 2,300 workers by the end of the year.

The company said the layoffs were not connected to its troubles with the 787 Dreamliner jet, its latest model that has been grounded since January due to two fires in the battery compartments with only 50 of the jets sold.

A Boeing spokesman said that fewer workers were required now that the plane was fully developed and in production status.

"It was always expected that employment requirements would come down on these programs as we transitioned into stable production," spokesman Marc Birtel said.

Boeing has already confirmed layoffs at its production facility in South Carolina for the same reason -- fewer workers required during production of an aircraft than during development.

"The employment environment will continue to evolve and be dynamic. We will manage the environment to minimize impact to employees, mitigate disruption and meet the needs of the business,"

Birtel said.