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Briggs & Stratton to Close Wisconsin Warehouse, Factory
WAUWATOSA, Wis — Briggs & Stratton Corp. plans to shutter its Jefferson factory by the end of the year, according to a filing with the state.
The Wauwatosa-based small engine and outdoor power equipment also plans to close its warehouse in Jefferson by the end of May 2010, the company noted in a mass layoff notice filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Layoffs of employees at the Jefferson factory will begin on Oct. 31.
Briggs & Stratton (NYSE: BGG) announced in July a plan to close its Jefferson and Watertown factories and Jefferson warehouse in fiscal 2010, leading to the loss of at least 430 jobs.
The notice filed with the state indicates that 185 employees will lose their jobs in the initial round of layoffs.
The plants, which are run by Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton's power products division, currently manufacture all portable generator, home standby generator and pressure washer products marketed and sold by the company.
About 390 hourly production workers and 40 salaried employees will be permanently laid off as a result of the closing of the factories, Briggs said at the time.
An additional 90 to 100 salaried employees are expected to be given an opportunity to transfer to other Briggs & Stratton facilities.
The company has not yet filed an official notice with the state indicating the timing of the layoffs and planned shutdown of the Watertown plant.
Production at the Jefferson and Watertown plants will be consolidated into existing U.S. engine and lawn and garden product plants.
Source: The Business Journal of Milwaukee
