WARRENDALE, Allegheny County — SAE International eliminated 10 percent of its staff Monday because of the downturn in the economy.

Nancy Lewis, SAE's corporate communications manager, said Thursday that the membership association which develops standards, life-long learning and publications in the automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle industries, has about 250 employees.

On Oct. 31 and Monday, 16 people were dismissed. Another nine vacant positions will be left unfilled.

Lewis said these positions include management, as well as numerous other departments within the corporation.

David Schutt, SAE's executive vice president and chief operating officer, addressed workers Monday, explaining that although the global economic problems have not put the company in "immediate danger, we do need to make prudent choices about the future.

"Reducing our workforce was one action that I determined was essential to ensure the long-term health of SAE International," Schutt said, in a news release of his remarks, adding that the company is working on a business plan for growth.

He mentioned that those let go by SAE are receiving career counseling and help finding new jobs.