Mass. company brings back 80 furloughed workers

Associated Press

GREENFIELD - A Greenfield plant has brought back about 80 workers who had been laid off for nearly three months.

Kennametal Inc. spokeswoman Christina Reitano says the employees returned to work on Monday and represent nearly all of those who have been on extended furlough.

The move was welcomed by union officials.

The 137-year-old facility makes taps, which are thread-cutting tools used to make bolts, nuts and similar components for the aerospace, automotive and heavy equipment industries. Originally known as Greenfield Tap and Die, it was once the dominant employer in the western Massachusetts town.

Latrobe, Pa.-based Kennametal bought the company in 1997.

To read a Globe story about the furlough, please click here.