Briggs and Stratton to Close Newbern Plant
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Thursday morning, a Dyer County plant announced it was shutting down, costing hundreds of people their jobs. Briggs and Stratton, one of Dyer County’s largest employers, will close its doors in May. For some workers, they said it was hard not to cry. “Very emotional, I get very emotional thinking about it, and I’m trying to be strong and I’m going to try and hang in there until the end,” said employee, Mary Lewis. Lewis was one of the Briggs and Stratton’s 700 full and part-time employees, who gathered Thursday morning for a mandatory meeting. She said it was very disappointing because she had been there since day one, she was the third one in the door. “Our hearts and our thoughts are with the employees and their families during this very, very difficult time. This decision was not reached lightly or easily as we realize the affect it’s going to have on so many folks lives,” said Laura Timm, director of corporate communications. Timm said the plant makes snow throwers and walk-behind lawn mowers, and the decision to close the Newbern plant was because of the economy. Officials said the building was just too big for what the plant was producing, forcing them to consolidate operations. Many employees told 7 Eyewitness News that it was more than a job for them, they were a family. Managers said they plan to close their doors mid May. Career counselors and placement services were available for workers. They company said some employees will receive severance packages from Briggs and Stratton.
