Representatives from the Wyeth pharmaceutical company have confirmed that 124 employees at its Sanford, N.C. plant are being laid off.

It's the second round of recent layoffs at the facility. About 65 employees were laid off earlier in the year.

The cuts come as part of the company's plan to improve operating efficiency, and not as a result of the recent economic downturn, according to Doug Petkus, a spokesperson from Wyeth's corporate affairs office.

In a statement, Petkus wrote, "Sanford continues to be an important strategic location in the Wyeth manufacturing plan and network, particularly in the manufacture of components for our pediatric vaccine, Prevnar. We are committed to the site, the region and the state."

Robert P. Heuts, director of the Lee County Economic Development Corporation, said Wyeth is the largest employer in the Sanford area, employing about 1,200 people.

"They're an important player in the community," he said. "They're involved in a lot of different ways."

Heuts said he's optimistic about the company's future in Lee County.

"The Wyeth facility, they just added on quite a bit of investment. So hopefully, that will anchor them into the community," he said.

Wyeth is also laying off about 170 workers in New York State. The company says it is offering people career counseling, severance packages, and extended health benefits.