Wyoming Machinery Announces Layoffs; Company Declines To Say How Many Employees Are Affected

The Casper-based Wyoming Machinery Co., announced Thursday it is laying off 6 percent of its workforce at its Casper and Gillette offices.

However, the company is not releasing the number of employees who are affected, human resources official Jeff Litzinger said.

This is the company's statement:

"Along with many Wyoming businesses, Wyoming Machinery Company has experienced the effects of the recent downturn in the state’s energy sector. In order to meet the challenges of the current economy, Wyoming Machinery Company was forced to implement a reduction in force of approximately 6% of our workforce through layoffs in our Casper and Gillette locations effective May 12, 2016. Wyoming Machinery Company is working closely with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services to provide resources to affected employees and their families."

Wyoming Machinery is Caterpillar's only dealer in the state, according to its website. It operates in 16 counties and has offices in Casper, Gillette, Cheyenne and Rock Springs. About half its employees work in Casper. The company sells and services equipment for the mining, construction, and oil and gas industries.