IGT to lay off 200

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Slot machine maker International Game Technology told its work force Thursday it would lay off about 200 manufacturing-related employees.

IGT's manufacturing functions are based mainly in Reno with some activities in Las Vegas.

This is the second round of staff reductions for the slot machine giant. In January IGT completed an 8 percent cutback in employees through early retirement buy-outs and layoffs.

Combined with the current round of cutbacks, IGT said it reduced more than 10 percent of the company's total work force worldwide, which remains at just above 5,000 employees.

IGT said the staff reductions are part of an overall effort to reduce company costs annually by $100 million.

"We will continue to look at all aspects of our business to improve efficiencies and reduce expenses where appropriate," IGT Chief Financial Officer Pat Cavanaugh said in a statement.