Gibson Guitar to cut 50 jobs

by G. Chambers • Williams III • March 21, 2009

Nashville-based Gibson Guitar Inc. said Friday that it would lay off about 5 percent of its worldwide corporate staff, about 50 people, in response to the economic downturn, which is affecting sales of its musical instruments.

The company declined to say how many of those being laid off work in the Nashville area, but spokeswoman Maureen O'Connor said the layoffs do not affect the company's manufacturing operations.

"We regret that the company had to reduce our work force to meet the economic challenges faced by our industry," Gibson Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz said in a statement.

"We believe our streamlined team of talented people will continue to serve our valuable customers in an increasingly excellent fashion," he said. "We expect to continue to build the finest instruments in the world and lead the industry in quality and innovation."