Officials at Kawasaki Motors announced Monday that more employees have been laid off at its plant in Lincoln due to a reorganization of the company's consumer products division. Mike Boyle, vice president and plant manager declined to say exactly how many were involved, but said the move affects approximately 25 percent of the office and support staff for the consumer products division. That division manufactures all terrain vehicles, utility vehicles and personal watercraft. Boyle said some of those employees would lose their jobs, effective this Friday, and others would transfer to Kawasaki's railcar division.

Last month a little more than 300 of the plant's hourly employees were offered a buyout package. Boyle said those affected in the latest round of layoffs were offered an "enhanced severance package" rather than a buyout. He said the recent moves were made due to a dropoff in sales.

"Significant alterations in the economy obviously puts pressure on all levels of Kawasaki's business," said Boyle. "We believe this is the bottom for us. We should not experience a further reduction in our workforce."