Without announcing actual numbers, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy revealed this week that it is adjusting its workforce at its facility in Castle Hayne.
 
“As the nuclear energy industry landscape continues to change it has become necessary to make adjustments to better align with the demands of the current market and our customers’ needs,” GE Hitachi spokesperson Jonathan Allen said in an email Friday.
 
“Employees who are affected will be provided a comprehensive benefits package including educational benefits and assistance with outplacement services. They may also apply for other openings throughout GE,” the email stated.
 
Allen said Friday there was no correlation between today’s announcement, and a report last week that some projects at GE Hitachi were being restructured.
 
The Business Journal reported on Feb. 8 that the Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) business based at GEH, launched in 2006 to develop uranium enrichment services capability, might be changing ownership, according to company officials.
 
In a statement to the media on Feb. 3, Silex, which developed the technology,  stated that “with a number of strategic investors currently in advanced stages of due diligence activities, Silex and GEH continue to work on the formal agreement documentation that would potentially result in the sale of GEH’s 76% stake in GLE to Silex and other new investors. Should the GLE restructure continue constructively and more time is needed, Silex will seek a further extension of the term sheet arrangements with GEH through the second quarter of 2017.”
 
Silex and GEH recently extended the term sheet for the GLE restructure to March 31 to allow the parties additional time to work towards a mutually acceptable restructure of GLE.
 
That is apparently not related to this week’s announcement.
 
“In taking these actions to be better positioned for the future we remain firmly committed to our business, the nuclear energy industry and the local community,” Allen’s statement concluded.
 
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy provides reactors and nuclear services to the nuclear power industry.
 
According to the N.C. Commerce Department’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division, GE-Hitachi employs between 500 and 999 people. The company does not release exact staffing figures.