Feb. 10--SANFORD -- Moen Inc. hopes to trim 50 positions -- or 11 percent of its workforce -- at its Sanford plant through "voluntary layoffs," a company spokesman said Monday.

The company, which makes faucets and indoor plumbing fixtures, will give severance packages to those who take its offer, spokesman Joe Mosbrook said. Those who qualify for retirement can receive full benefits, and those who are close to retirement can receive a reduced package.

Company officials informed employees of the plan last week, and they have until the end of the month to make up their minds. The company currently employs about 450 people at the Sanford plant, which makes parts for faucets.

Mosbrook said the decision comes as the housing sector continues to struggle amid a larger U.S. economic slide. Moen had employed 750 workers as recently as September 2007 at its facility on 2609 Cox Mill Road.

"With the decline in the housing market, it's what the company has been doing across all its operations," he said. "It's not unlike any of the other manufacturers in housing and construction."

Moen will re-evaluate if more cuts are needed after the company knows how many employees take the offer, Mosbrook said.

The news comes a week after the N.C. Employment Security Commission announced Lee County's unemployment rate soared to nearly 11 percent in December. Major Sanford employers such as Wyeth and Caterpillar have announced job cuts in recent months.

The Moen cuts would not figure into the unemployment rate because they are voluntary.

Moen is owned by Fortune Brands Inc., which has a variety of products and brands, including Jim Beam alcohol products and Titleist golf equipment.

Moen has not received any economic incentives for its Sanford operation since 2005, when it received $18,804 from Sanford and Lee County.

The county and city paid a total of $227,140 to Moen between 2003 and 2005.

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