May 16 (Reuters) - Spirit AeroSystems ( SPR ) is laying off

several hundred members of its workforce in Wichita, Kan.,

according to an internal memo, as the company deals with high

debt and slowed production at Boeing ( BA ), its key customer.

"The recent slowdown in the delivery rate on commercial

programs compels a reduction to our workforce in Wichita,"

spokesman Joe Buccino said. "In the coming weeks, we will inform

affected employees. We are committed to implementing this

transition in as compassionate a manner as possible."

The memo, first reported by Wichita-based KSN, said about

400 employees would be affected. Buccino did not confirm that

figure to Reuters. Spirit had already started to limit overtime

and hiring as production declines due to lower output of 737 MAX

jets following a January mid-air blowout on a Boeing ( BA ) plane.