NORTH BERWICK – Hussey Seating Co. has landed a $4 million contract to manufacture seats for the San Diego Padres’ new stadium.

The new contract, along with two other major projects, will help stabilize the work force. Hussey Seating laid off 20 workers in January.

When the San Diego ballpark opens in April 2004, Hussey will have installed 42,000 seats, company spokeswoman Jeannie Blancq said.

Hussey, Maine’s oldest family owned business, currently employs 465 people in North Berwick and another 70 in Tyngsboro, Mass.