Leggett & Platt CEO: Layoff decision "was one of the most difficult of my career"

During the quarterly earnings call Wednesday, Leggett & Platt CEO Karl Glassman said laying off thousands of employees, including more than 900 at the company's Carthage facilities was a tough call.

The decisions to temporarily lay off a large number of our employees around the world was one of the most difficult of my career, as our strength has always been and will continue to be our people. Please know we are focused on doing everything we can to return our employees to work.

Glassman said Leggett & Platt has taken steps to protect its employees from the COVID-19 pandemic that necessitated the layoffs:

Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees and their families along with our customers and suppliers and the communities we serve around the world. Given the unprecedented times, we have taken early and decisive action to protect our employees and ensure a safe work environment as we possibly can.

Glassman said he and company officials are "taking the proper steps to protect our employees and the financial well-being of our company."