Héroux-Devtek Inc. announced initiatives to optimize and consolidate manufacturing capacity, while further enhancing productivity throughout the organization. These initiatives are in keeping with Héroux-Devtek's operating strategy of focusing on specialized centres of excellence. Given the substantial demand reduction for military aftermarket products in the United States, the Corporation will proceed with the permanent layoffs of approximately 55 employees at its manufacturing plant located at 710 Thurber Street, in Longueuil.

The layoffs should begin in April 2014 and are expected to take place over a 12-month period, after which approximately 15 workers will remain on site. Héroux-Devtek will continue to carry out such operations at its other centres of excellence in manufacturing. These measures will result in a charge of approximately $5 million before income taxes to be spread over the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 and the first half of the 2015 fiscal year.