More layoffs could follow shortly, suppliers and vendors intimate with Cirent's daily operations tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity.
The five-year-old former subsidiary of AT&T and later Lucent Technologies is one of Orlando's highest profile employers with salaries for seasoned technicians and operators starting in the $60,000 range.
Cirent could face a double financial setback if Orange County decides to reduce a 10-year incentive plan valued at $22 milion in property and sales tax concessions. The 1996 plan is based on the amount of taxes Cirent pays to the county and its commitment to hold down layoffs to 10% of its work force.
The microchip-manufacturing plant on John Young Parkway in south Orlando was built in 1989. Cirent took over the operation from AT&T in 1996. Cirent's newest parent is Agere, the former manufacturing arm of Lucent.
Agere itself is expected to lay off personnel shortly, area suppliers intimate with Cirent's operations and schedules tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity.
The Cirent layoffs were the first experienced in 17 years by the local Technicians and Operators Union.
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