KIEV, Feb. 14 – Luhanskteplovoz Holding has denied reports of planned large layoffs, saying that with the expansion of an order by Ukrzaliznytsia to produce suburban diesel and electric trains, the plant will hire over 1,000 new workers.

"In 2012, it is planned to produce 156 locomotive energy sections for Russian Railways (1.5 times up on 2011), two diesel trains (under an order from 2011) and an electric train for Ukrzaliznytsia. It is planned that all production indicators will grow, including the number of workers and average monthly wages. The holding does not plan to dismiss a lot of workers. This is foreseen neither in the collective agreement nor by the production situation," said Luhanskteplovoz Director General Serhiy Mikheyev.