Tecumseh to close Wisconsin plant, lay off 320 workers

Tecumseh Products Company announced that it has informed the workers in its manufacturing facility in New Holstein, Wis., of the company's decision to close the plant, in a two-stage process that will begin in mid-April.

The decision will affect the 320 workers currently employed at the plant, which produces component parts for the company's gasoline engines. Layoffs associated with the plant closing will begin on or after April 13, when the jobs of up to 220 plant workers will end. The remaining 100 jobs will end on or about August 31.

James J. Bonsall, president and chief operating officer of Tecumseh, said: "While maintaining several of its U.S. operations, Tecumseh over the past several years has increasingly outsourced the manufacturing of components and certain small engines to low-cost countries, including India, Brazil and China. Making these strategic moves enhances Tecumseh's ability to compete in the highly competitive global business environment. The impact of the decision announced today on Tecumseh's remaining workers in New Holstein is deeply regrettable, but unavoidable."