TEMPLE (October 13, 2009)—Temple-based Wilsonart International says it needs to cut its workforce by 10 percent locally and nationally and is offering employees optional retirement until Oct. 26.

After that date, the company, which employs 1,200 in Temple, could begin layoffs.

The 53-year-old company made a similar move in November 2008, which it offered optional retirement and then made a total of 23 layoffs nationwide.

The laminate company, which is one of the region’s biggest employers, says it’s just beginning to feel the worst effects of the recession as construction projects that were already underway are completed.

New orders are coming in, but not fast enough to keep the company profitable at its current size.