WARSAW — More Michiana families have been left wondering what's next, after Zimmer Incorporated in Warsaw announced Thursday that more than 100 people will lose their benefits and their jobs as part of a corporate realignment.

There is something cooking inside Warsaw's Courthouse Coffee, but it's not the espressos or smoothies. Something else is brewing.

And the buzz during the lunch rush is coming from the neighboring business — Zimmer, Incorporated.

"They come in for coffee or sandwiches," said Stacy McCarty, who works at the coffee shop. "We notice they come in during the second shift, around two or three in the afternoon."

McCarty has lived in Warsaw for 25 years. She passes Zimmer on the way to work.

In a statement, Zimmer spokesman Brad Bishop said, "We have initiated modest changes in our work force, which include the elimination of positions in some areas and increases in others to balance requirements necessary to support strategic priorities."

Less than 5% of the global workforce is affected by the realignment; that is true for the Warsaw site, where just over 100 of our total employment of more than 2,800 are affected."

Officials don't consider the loss, a layoff, but callers to the WSBT newsroom don't see it that way.

"He [my husband] let me now he was asked to leave, and he was packing his stuff and was being walked out by a HR rep." said one caller.

Zimmer plans on adding workers later this year, according to Bishop.

"With future hiring, we expect to maintain or even increase the net number of employees both in Warsaw and globally in 2009."

Warsaw is the unofficial orthepedic capital. Biomet and DePuy also call the city home.

While members from the Kosciusko County Chamber say the recession affects just about every industry, officials from DePuy suggest some industries are more immune.

"Joint replacement is traditionally more recession-proof than other industries, because it's medically necessary." said Mindy Tinsley, director of communications for DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.

Recession-proof, it's the perfect blend of words for workers like McCarty, who counts on foot-traffic during the lunch rush.

"It's a very prominent part of our community," said McCarty.

When asked whether affected workers will be eligible for rehiring, company officials declined to answer, but did tell WSBT that those affected would receive a severance package.