Schuylkill County company to lose 86 jobs

ASHLAND, Pa. - An eastern Pennsylvania pump manufacturer will lose 86 jobs in the next two months when it transfers some of its operations to an upstate New York plant.

ITT Corp., the parent of Goulds Pumps, announced on Tuesday that it will transfer Goulds' slurry and pump assembly, testing and order entry processes from Ashland to the company's Seneca Falls, N.Y., operation.

Goulds Pumps is one of the largest employers in northern Schuylkill County. The Ashland plant employs 310 people. The work force reduction will take place within 60 days.

The Republican Herald of Pottsville reports that employees were informed of the decision to downsize the plant Tuesday. In a news release, company officials said staying globally competitive is the reason for the move.