Roanoke-based Luna Innovations Inc. will layoff about 20 people as it makes adjustments to deal with the recession.
 
"Like many U.S. companies, Luna has been affected by the current economic environment," said Luna CEO and Chairman Kent Murphy said in an e-mailed statement to The Roanoke Times. "We are taking the necessary actions to ensure our future success. These proactive steps include downsizing our workforce by approximately 20 positions spread across our various locations and business units.
 
"Arrival at this decision was difficult. Luna truly values its employees and those impacted by this realignment are deserving of our gratitude for the contributions they have made in our success.

"With this workforce adjustment we are further streamlining our company just as other businesses across the nation are doing. And, we will continue to provide our stakeholders with the quality of products and services we are known for."

In October Luna employed 239 people. As of Friday company-wide employment was 218, said Luna spokeswoman Karin Clark in an e-mail. During the Nov. 5 quarterly earning conference call with investors and analysts, Murphy said the state of the economy was not having an impact on Luna's research and development business.
 
Luna is a technology company that develops and manufactures products for health care, telecommunications, energy and defense markets.