(WINSTON-SALEM) -- Reynolds American has confirmed that it is cutting its workforce.  The Winston-Salem based company says it began its cutbacks on Tuesday, but will not say how many positions will be eliminated.

"Until the process is complete we really cannot give any kind of feel for the number of jobs that may be impacted or the nature of the jobs," said Vice President of Communication, Maura Payne. The process is expected to be completed next month.

"I think at the end of the process you will find that it will be a mix of both salaried and hourly employees who will be leaving the company. I suspect there will also be a mix of both voluntary and involuntary departures," added Payne.

The news comes as RAI announced an adjusted fourth quarter earnings per share of 72-cents.  This is up 12.5 percent. The company's Full year 2011 earning per share was $2.81, up 6.8 percent.

(Thanks to: WSJS)