Rockwell Overhaul To Cost 1,400 Jobs

Rockwell International Corp. said it will fire about 1,400 workers, about 2.5 percent of its work force, and quit making certain truck and transportation products.

The company also said it will take a fourth-quarter charge of $74 million, or 34 cents a share, because of the moves.

Company spokesman Terry Francisco said the 1,400 people, most outside the U.S., don’t make the items the company is discontinuing. He wouldn’t say what those products are.

The fired workers are involved with production of some of the company’s other automotive products, and are being dismissed to cut costs, he added. Rockwell employs about 56,000 people.

The company said the charge will be offset by a gain of $76 million, or 35 cents a share, from tax gains and insurance claims.

According to a survey of analysts, the company is expected to report earnings of 88 cents a share for its fourth quarter ended Sept. 30.