The Associated Press
11/19/01 2:06 PM

ELMORE, Ohio (AP) -- A company that makes a strong, lightweight metal has laid off about 130 workers in the last two months because of slowdowns in the auto and electronics industries.

Most workers let go at Brush Wellman's beryllium plant were hired a year ago during a high growth period, said human resources manager Dave Cahill.

The plant is down to about 650 workers from 900 last year, including those who have retired or quit.

Beryllium is used in military weapons, golf clubs, auto parts and in the cellular industry.

Cahill said he expects that the military will need more beryllium to replenish its arsenals. Government and military contracts make up about 5 percent of the company's business.

Elmore is 20 miles southeast of Toledo.