Longaberger cutting 400 jobs

NEWARK, Ohio - The Longaberger Co., the nation's largest basket maker, said yesterday it will cut 400 jobs, about 5 percent of its work force, because of the slowing economy.

The jobs will be cut at the company's basket-making operation in nearby Frazeysburg, effective April 13. About 300 of the workers to be laid off make baskets, and 100 are support staff.

Longaberger has 8,300 employees.

Company spokeswoman Julie Moorehead said there had not been a significant drop in basket sales but that the company had been too optimistic in its business plan.

"With the downturn in the economy, we have to tighten our belts and look to streamline," she said.

The workers to be laid off have been with the company for less than a year, Moorehead said. They will get preferential consideration for the 350 openings Longaberger has elsewhere in the company.