Stanley B&D cutting 80 Tenn. jobs

New Britain toolmaker Stanley Black & Decker Inc. will close its distribution center in Jackson, eliminating about 80 jobs, The Associated Press reports.

Company spokesman Tim Perra said in a news release the center will be shut down by April 1, prompted by decreased demand. The earliest layoffs will come in October.

The Jackson Sun quoted Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist who said the company's cost reduction moves may ultimately benefit the city, where two Stanley Black & Decker manufacturing plants continue to employ more than 500 people.

Gist said the company is looking at streamlining its North American manufacturing and Jackson is being heavily considered for future moves.

Perra said the distribution work now done in Jackson will move to company facilities in Rialto, Calif., and Fort Mill, S.C.