Vocollect, a voice activation software company based in Wilkins, laid off 90 employees from its international operations, including 65 locally, this month.

Jennifer Clement, senior director of marketing for Vocollect, said difficult economic times for retailers, the company's core client base, forced the Nov. 10 cuts.

"We felt it was important that we react very quickly to this reality to retain our financial position, build our market position and continue on the growth path we've been on for many years," she said.

The company is still in negotiation with Penn Hills regarding traffic concerns and a zoning change that would allow it to expand its property, which is in Wilkins near the Penn Hills line, Mrs. Clement said. She did not say whether the economy would affect the expansion.