Debt-ridden Coleco Industries, trying to stave off...

Debt-ridden Coleco Industries, trying to stave off a bankruptcy court filing, announced that it was slashing its work force by more than 40%. The West Hartford, Conn.-based toy maker said that about 330 employees, or nearly 50% of its work force, were being laid off at manufacturing and distribution facilities around the country. In addition, about 145 members, or 35%, of the corporate staff were being laid off, the company said in a brief statement.