Dell to lay off 10 percent of Oklahoma City workforce

Dell Inc. will lay off about 200 workers as it eliminates the consumer sales division at its Oklahoma City site.

Dell Spokeswoman Kathy Oden-Hall declined to discuss employee numbers, but said the layoffs affect “a relative small percentage of our overall population.” After the layoffs, Dell’s employee numbers will “hover around 2,000; maybe a little more or a little less,” Oden-Hall said.

Roy Williams, chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, said about 10 percent of the local workforce was being laid off. Williams estimated about 200 people would lose their jobs.

Dell briefed city and state officials about the changes, Oden-Hall said.

“These decisions do not diminish the importance of Oklahoma City as a key strategic site for Dell,” Oden-Hall said. “All other business units located in Oklahoma City will continue operating and aligning their business to meet customer needs and business demands.’

Dell’s business technical support unit will expand its operation in Oklahoma City, Oden-Hall said. Current members of the consumer technical support group will join the growing business technical support unit, Oden-Hall said.

The moves are part of a company-wide global restructuring, she said.