BAYPORT, MN — Citing a historic housing slump, officials from Andersen Corp., a manufacturer of windows and doors, announced Jan. 8 that the company is cutting 50 office and management positions and temporarily releasing about 400 employees at its Bayport and Cottage Grove, MN, facilities, according to the Stillwater Gazette.

Andersen officials said temporary layoffs are not usual, and they hope to bring those workers back as soon as possible. The company expects the temporary layoffs to last through the first quarter of 2009. Employees affected by the permanent layoffs will receive severance pay, benefit continuation and help with future job searches. Those affected by the temporary layoff will remain eligible for various benefits, including health care coverage.

Andersen Corp. has 22 manufacturing sites nationwide. The company employs approximately 11,000 people, 5,000 of whom work in Minnesota, and markets products throughout North America and in South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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