Oregon Shoe Maker Lays Off 158 Workers

Avia Group International Inc. has notified its 158 Beaverton employees they could be laid off July 22.

The announcement fed speculation the athletic footwear company may be moving south. Avia was tentatively purchased last month by American Sporting Goods Corp. of Irvine, Calif.

Avia told its employees it was unknown whether the new owner would offer jobs to Avia workers after the sale becomes final. Therefore, said Avia chief executive Bob Slattery in a letter to employees, federal law required layoff notices.

Avia spokeswoman Carey Kerns said she didn’t know if anyone knows yet where Avia will be based. Kerns minimized the significance of Slattery’s message.