Electric Boat sees hiring of 300 engineers in 2012

GROTON, Conn. (AP) - Electric Boat President John Casey says he expects the submarine manufacturer will hire 300 engineers this year with only temporary layoffs of some maintenance workers at its shipyard in Groton.

The Norwich Bulletin and The Day of New London report that Casey said he cannot think of a time when Electric Boat had a better outlook. Speaking Tuesday at the legislative breakfast of the General Dynamics subsidiary, he said layoffs will be brief because maintenance orders are expected to be stronger in the second half of 2012.

The submarine maker laid off 133 maintenance tradesmen last year and hired 365 engineers.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said the Defense Department's budget is likely to shrink, which should be a concern to the company and eastern Connecticut generally.