A problem with a new line of washing machines will force Newton-based Maytag to lay off 140 workers on Friday. Maytag C-E-O Ralph Hake says the company had to re-design its Atlantis washers because of a problem in one of the components. Many retailers have run out of Atlantis washers, and replacements aren’t in stores yet. Hake says by October, production should be ramping up again, but the three-month delay in the washers’ production will dampen the appliance-maker’s bottom line. Hake says investors should see growth in other areas with five successful product launches.The layoffs were first announced in early September. Hake discussed the move again yesterday in a meeting with investors. Wall Street analysts estimate Maytag earnings will drop nine- to 15-cents per share.
