Honeywell to close Cedar Rapids operation

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Honeywell International plans to close the downtown Cedar Rapids facility where it performs engineering, technical support and sales support for its Safety and Productivity Solutions Business at the end of the year.

Honeywell spokesman Eric Krantz said the work is being moved to other Honeywell offices performing similar tasks, and that less than two dozen local employees will be affected.

"Honeywell's Safety and Productivity Solutions business is streamlining operations and adjusting our workforce to better serve business needs," Mr. Krantz said in an emailed statement. "This isn't a decision we made lightly, and we realize, unfortunately, affects some of our valued employees."

Employees affected by the move have been offered severance and outplacement assistance under Honeywell policy, and are also being encouraged to apply for other roles within the company.

Mr. Krantz said Honeywell's lease at the downtown building expires at the end of the year.

The operation is a remnant of an Intermec Corp. business that employed about 250 in Cedar Rapids when it was acquired by Honeywell about seven years ago. Intermec designed electronic manufacturing products for inventory and supply chain management.

Employment has dwindled at the facility since that time, however. Mr. Krantz said the company does not disclose specific employment counts at its locations.

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