After months of waiting for a federal loan to manufacture its new D-Jet, the head of Diamond Aircraft says he is suspending the program and temporarily laying off 213 people, more than half the remaining staff at the plant.
“We are disappointed and frustrated in the extreme to take this drastic action. We had deferred this action as long as possible,” said Diamond President Peter Maurer.
Maurer said the workers would be recalled if the federal government comes through with the $35 million loan.
