Briggs and Stratton Corporation has announced that it will move existing manufacturing from its Newbern, Tenn., facility to its McDonough, Ga., facility. The company will also close its Czech Republic plant, shifting production to its Murray, Ky., facility. In addition, Briggs and Stratton will continue reducing capacity by reconfiguring and idling certain assets at its Poplar Bluff, Mo., facility.
These changes will result in the closing of the company’s facility in Newbern Tenn., affecting approximately 240 regular employees and 450 temporary employees. Additionally, the closing of the Czech Republic facility will affect approximately 77 regular employees. The company does not anticipate significant employment changes at its Poplar Bluff, Mo., facility.
“The actions announced today to consolidate our manufacturing footprint further will better align our production capacity to the markets we serve,” said Briggs and Stratton CEO Todd Teske. “It was a very difficult decision to close these production facilities; however, these changes are a necessary step in executing our strategy to grow the profitability of our business and invest our resources in high-margin and margin-expanding areas. We will make a dedicated effort to minimize the impact of these closings on our employees and the surrounding communities."
The Newbern, Tenn., facility currently manufactures walk-behind lawn mowers and snow throwers for the U.S. domestic market. The Czech Republic facility manufactures small engines for the outdoor power equipment industry.
For more information, visit www.briggsandstratton.com.
