R.S. Owens to Lay Off 95 Employees

R.S. Owens, the Chicago-based company that makes Oscar and Emmy statuettes, is laying off 95 employees, more than a third of its 251-person workforce.

The company notified the Illinois Department of Commerce this week that the permanent layoffs in the 250-person company will take effect on December 17. That's the day the purchase of R.S. Owens by the Indianapolis-based St. Regis Crystal Inc. will be completed.

The company has been the supplier of Academy Awards statuettes since 1982. It also makes awards for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, MTV Video Music Awards and "American Idol."