Delphi cautious about future.(Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems)

Armed with a new blueprint for beginning its financial fix-up, the region's largest manufacturer is headed cautiously toward an as-yet uncertain future.

One thing is clear though: Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems' flagship site in Lockport will be 1,000 or more jobs smaller six months from now than it was one year ago.

Paring the work force through early retirements is a key element of a joint company/union plan that members of United Auto Workers Local 686 overwhelmingly approved Sept. 30.

Though 374 hourly workers are being recalled from indefinite layoff, the loss of 750 who are expected to be eligible for early retirement incentives by March 31, 2002, would shrink the work force to about 4,500.

Add an unknown number of salaried personnel who also are expected to retire, and Delphi's total work force at Lockport, which had 5,700 employees at the end of last year, would fall below 4,500.

"Yes, that is possible," said company spokesman Douglas Hoy. "We have got to be smaller -- smaller, quicker to be responsive, flexible and more productive. What this plan outlines …