CRANBERRY TWP — Cranberry Township officials say Thursday’s announcement that Westinghouse will cut 1,500 employees companywide comes as no surprise — and they are confident the area will take it in stride.

“Although no one likes to see folks laid off, this was not unexpected by anyone and is a worldwide number,” said Jerry Andree, Cranberry Township manager. “The impact on Cranberry Township is minimal, as the company will continue to employ over 2,000 employees in Cranberry.”

Westinghouse CEO Jose Gutierrez announced Thursday that Westinghouse will see 1,500 layoffs companywide by the end of March.

“The layoffs are related to the company’s business plan that was submitted as part of our bankruptcy process,” said Sarah Cassella, external communications manager at Westinghouse.

In their July announcement, Westinghouse estimated it would have to reduce its staff by around 7 percent. At the time of the announcement the company employed around 12,000 people.

As time went on and more information became available, Westinghouse increased its estimated layoff numbers.

“We first announced a headcount reduction in July ... but required adjustment following the VC Summer cancellation,” said Cassella.

Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March after financial losses from a failed nuclear power plant construction project in South Carolina.

The case is still going through bankruptcy court as the company decides how to restructure in hopes of future success.

Andree said while Westinghouse’s workforce continues to shrink, other companies have been growing, often hiring those leaving Westinghouse

“... I personally know of former Westinghouse employees being recruited and hired by other Cranberry companies looking to obtain that talent,” Andree said.

“In the last six months GE moved 125 employees into one of the office parks in Cranberry, and I know of another company planning to bring another 150 jobs to the township, all family sustaining jobs.

“Westinghouse just gets the media’s attention; those other job gains go unnoticed,” he said.