Longaberger Company

Longaberger Co. has trimmed its work force again. The Newark basket and home products manufacturer and retailer said it is cutting 200 workers from its basketmaking operations and has finished eliminating 25 administration-level jobs, citing tough economic times. Longaberger has seen its work force dwindle significantly over the past several years. The company in 2002 reported it employed more than 7,000 workers, a total that had fallen to 2,800 at the end of 2007. Along with the staff reductions, Longaberger executives said the company is extending stronger incentives to its home sales consultants business and consolidating its basket-making workshops.