Briggs and Stratton to Close Newbern Plant
Briggs and Stratton announced today that they plan to close their Newbern plant. Existing manufacturing from that plant will move to its facility in McDonough, Georgia. The company will also close a factory in the Czech Republic. These changes will result in the closing of the Company’s facility in Newbern Tennessee, affecting approximately 240 regular employees and 450 temporary employees. Where applicable, the company said it will provide assistance programs, continued benefits and outplacement services for the affected employees. “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,” said Todd Teske. The Newbern, Tennessee facility currently manufacturers walk behind lawn mowers and snow throwers for the U.S. domestic market. Operations in Newbern are expected to wind down by approximately May 15, 2012.
