The state has scheduled a number of information meetings in anticipation of layoffs at the two local divisions of medical devicemaker Boston Scientific Corp.
Last month, the Natick, Mass.-based company said it would cut 1,000 to 1,300 employees from an employment base of 25,000 during global restructuring. The company hasn't said how many will come from its divisions in Arden Hills and Maple Grove, which employ about 5,000 people.
The Arden Hills division makes heart rhythm products such as defibrillators and pacemakers, while Maple Grove concentrates on heart stents. The divisions will be merged.
Boston Scientific said last month the 5.5 to 7 percent workforce reduction will occur over the next 18 to 24 months, beginning at the end of the first quarter. Some analysts have speculated that about 500 jobs could be eliminated in the Twin Cities.
"Because they employ a lot of people here, they could be hit pretty hard," said Tim Nelson, an analyst at FAF Advisors in Minneapolis.
Targeted jobs could include research and development, as well as administration and marketing, he said. The company said last month the plan excludes "manufacturing direct labor" positions. Company spokesman Paul Donovan declined to comment on the layoffs Tuesday.
The state Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) Dislocated Worker program will hold sessions to discuss state benefits and help in finding new jobs, said Anthony Alongi, program director.
The sessions will be:
