The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported today that Tyson Foods, Inc. will be adding 180 jobs for a new processing line at its Hanover County plant.  Almost a year ago, Tyson announced the layoff of 190 employees.  The Company said it is pleased to be able to hire back most of the affected workers.  50 of the 180 workers have already been hired and the balance will be added over the coming months.  The plant currently has approximately 625 employees.

While I don’t have any inside knowledge of the Tyson Foods operation, I think this story may portend to what we will see more of in the US.  It appears that, prior to the new hires, Tyson found a way to operate its plant with fewer employees.  Basically, they increased their productivity and became more efficient.  It was only when they added a new production line that their hiring needs increased.  I believe that in the lean times, many more companies will find ways to be more efficient with their workforce – whether through technology or other means.  When the recovery comes, we may not need as many workers to accomplish the same level of production.  That speaks well for our national productivity, but would mean a longer more protracted job recovery.

Four Virginia companies announced further layoffs today.

Qimonda, the computer chip manufacturer, announced this morning that they will be shuttering their Richmond manufacturing facility and laying off 1,550 of the remaining 1,600 employees.  The 1,550 employees will not receive any severance.  The first batch of 500 employees will be terminated immediately, with the balance leaving over the next month or so.  Production at the facility will cease within the week.  The company, which has filed for bankruptcy protection in Germany, previously announced the loss of 1,200 jobs.  Those 1,200 received severance and will continue to do so.

LandAmerica, the venerable and now bankrupt title company, announced that it will be closing its Richmond headquarters location and eliminating all 291 remaining positions.  The cuts will come in stages, but should be complete by the end of 2009.  Additionally, the company will not be offering any severance packages to these employees.

On the other side of the state, TMD Friction Group, the automotive brake manufacturer, announced that it will be closing its Dublin Virginia (near Roanoke) manufacturing plant.  All 140 positions will be eliminated by May 31, 2009.  TMD is based in Leverkusen, Germany and is currently in bankruptcy proceedings.

Volvo Truck North America, located in the same industrial park as TMD, annouced last week that it will be laying off 650 employees.  Both TMD and Volvo cited a bad economic environment and limited capital (auto) spending as the reasons for the layoffs.   TMD and Vovlo are especially painful because they are located in the Southwest region of Virginia which is already enduring numerous layoffs and plant closures.