SpaceX announced Friday that it is laying off roughly 10 percent of its entire workforce, according to a memo obtained by KXXV-TV.
The message employees received Friday afternoon included a statement from Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX.
“This is a difficult day and I appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate the road ahead. As announced in today’s all-hands, to ensure we are in a financial position to reach our long-term goals, SpaceX will be saying goodbye to roughly 10 percent of our employees. This was a difficult but very necessary decision.”
The statement went on to say impacted employees will receive at least eight weeks pay and other benefits, as well as assistance in securing other employment.
It’s not yet known if any employees at the McGregor facility will be impacted. Employees across the company are expected to learn their future with SpaceX by Jan. 12.
A SpaceX spokesperson released this statement:
“To continue delivering for our customers and to succeed in developing interplanetary spacecraft and a global space-based Internet, SpaceX must become a leaner company. Either of these developments, even when attempted separately, have bankrupted other organizations. This means we must part ways with some talented and hardworking members of our team. We are grateful for everything they have accomplished and their commitment to SpaceX’s mission. This action is taken only due to the extraordinarily difficult challenges ahead and would not otherwise be necessary.”
Back in September, officials signed an agreement to give SpaceX economic incentives to Coryell County.
SpaceX is a private aerospace and exploration company that was founded in 2002. The company has conducted thousands of rocket engine tests in Central Texas since 2003.
The facility is known by Central Texas Residents for the infrequent and sudden rumbles that originate from the facility that feel and sound like thunder for lengthy periods. Most of them without warning.
The 4,300-acre site in McGregor employs more than 300 according to a 2016 story in the Waco Tribune-Herald.
SpaceX was founded in 2003 by entrepreneur Elon Musk Nd employs approximately 7,000 worldwide.
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