DuPont plans targeted reductions to improve competitiveness

WILMINGTON, Del. -- DuPont said it will further align resources consistent with the specific missions of its individual businesses. These actions will reduce the company's global employee workforce by about 4,000, or 4%. DuPont will also reduce the number of contract personnel by about 1,300 and shut down less competitive manufacturing assets.

Responding to weakening business conditions in the U.S. apparel and textile markets, DuPont will accelerate the rationalization of its polyester and nylon fiber businesses to improve financial performance. This will result in a combined polyester and nylon reduction of about 2,000 employees -- or roughly half of the total company employee reductions.