LIMESTONE — A business that got its start overhauling military Humvees and trucks is preparing to slash its workforce by more than half because of reduced demand, officials said Friday.

Maine Military Authority intends to cut up to 140 jobs beginning in October because of the drawdown of troops and equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan, the company said. MMA currently employs 210 workers.

Additional Photos

A mechanic inspects the underside of a refurbished Humvee at the Maine Military Authority in Limestone in 2005. Over the years, Maine Military Authority refurbished more than 16,000 vehicles, generated $600 million in revenue and, at its peak, employed roughly 550 workers. Associated Press File Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

In this 2005 file photo, 380 M-109 Howitzers tanks and 800 Humvees, along with other military vehicles, await refurbishing at the Maine Military Authority in Limestone. The Maine Military Authority is laying off 140 people beginning in October because of the drawdown of troops and equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

CEO Tim Corbett says the company will do everything it can to minimize layoffs.

“In addition to working closely with the National Guard Bureau, we are aggressively seeking qualification as a certified vendor for the refurbishment of transit buses from state and regional entities,” he said. MMA is also seeking to overhaul ambulances, fire trucks and school buses.

Created in 1997, the Maine Military Authority, a quasi-state agency, has refurbished more than 14,000 military vehicles at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone.

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