Northrop is studying a plan to merge...

Northrop is studying a plan to merge its electro-mechanical division in Anaheim with its electronics division in Hawthorne, a move that company officials say could streamline operations and improve productivity. The company alerted employees in October that the merger study was in the works, Northrop spokesman Tony Cantafio said. He refused to say whether there will be layoffs or a plant closure. The Anaheim operation employs just under 2,000 workers and manufactures electronic sensing and optical devices. The Hawthorne division, with about 2,800 workers, builds navigation and guidance equipment.