Goodrich to Fire 1,700 Workers

Goodrich Corp., the biggest U.S. maker of aircraft landing gear, said it planned to fire 1,700 workers in the next two years and slashed its 2003 profit forecast amid plunging demand from plane makers.

Profit from continuing operations this year will be 27 cents to 42 cents a share, Goodrich said. Its previous forecast was $1.45 to $1.60.

Goodrich shares fell 75 cents to $13.97 on the NYSE.