Libbey's cost cutting could result in loss of 200 Shreveport jobs

In a conference with investors today, Libbey Glass announced a tentative "realignment" that would eliminate approximately 200 jobs at its Shreveport plant, moving some of those jobs to Monterrey, Mexico, others to the company's headquarters in Toledo, Ohio.

The move, if it happens, is part of Libbey's efforts to cut costs by eliminating certain glassware items, thus reducing manufacturing capacity in the Shreveport Plant.

The plan will have to be discussed with the United Steelworkers (USW), the union that represents production and maintenance employees at the plant.

"These changes would enable Libbey to reduce manufacturing capacity and improve asset utilization across our North American facilities, while continuing to meet the needs of our customers worldwide," Libbey Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Streeter told investors.

"We regret the impact these changes would have on our affected Shreveport associates, but they are necessary to strengthen Libbey's financial and competitive position."