Very small American bicycle manufacturing sector gets smaller

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/2238.html

American Bicycle Group, the makers of Litespeed, Merlin, and Quintana Roo, has laid off 25% of their workers involved in manufacturing in their Tennessee facility, citing the current economic recession.

quoting from the article:
"According to Hurley [the CEO] , ABG will 'continue to develop new products during this downturn with confidence that the future will again be bright for our industry and ABG.'"

Nothing says confidence like laying off 25% of your workforce.

'"We regret the pain and discomfort of those laid off and wish only the very best for their future," Hurley added.'

Nothing says regret like a press release.

And the downward swirling continues ... more layoffs, less economic security for working people, less workers can afford to buy, more layoffs ... and the downward swirling continues

Looking for more information on the companies website I noticed that they may be going back to an older method of procuring workers. This is under "frequently asked questions":

Can I visit the Litespeed factory?
We do indeed allow factory tours, but would really like it if we got a bit of a warning before you come so we can make sure we have a guide available. Call us at 423-238-5530 and schedule a tour and we will show you around. You'll be impressed especially by our amazing staff here.
Remember though, solid shoes and eye protection have to be worn and you have to be at least 14 years old.

Now perhaps I am paranoid, but I wouldn't go down there for fear of being Shanghaied (no offense intended for any of my Chinese readership ... who am I kidding, nobody is reading this)

Oh, and I am pretty sure that in the answer above they are now using staff as the singular not the plural.