Ariens Co. announces the closure of its Auburn manufacturing plant located in Auburn, Neb., as it leverages its manufacturing footprint in Brillion, Wis. The shutdown is expected to be complete sometime between August 17 and October 15, 2018. The closure affects 193 employees.
“This was a difficult decision knowing the Auburn employee base and the Auburn community, but it just doesn’t make economic sense to keep this plant running in light of the significant productivity improvements that have been made elsewhere in the company,” says Larry Weyers, president, Ariens Power Equipment. “The main plants in Wisconsin have increased daily production by 64% compared to last year.”
The Auburn facility, which produces outdoor power equipment, had been manufacturing products that the company’s Brillion, Wis., plants did not have the capacity for, according to Weyers. However, in light of productivity improvements implemented in Wisconsin over the last 18 months, along with an upcoming plant re-design, the Auburn satellite facility is no longer an economical option.
Ariens Co. has a 725,000 sq. ft. manufacturing footprint in Wisconsin with more than 1,000 employees. The company is continuing to implement practices that enable it to manufacture more units per day using a smaller footprint, according to Weyers. In addition, Ariens also recently invested in a new, consolidated distribution center located in southeastern Wisconsin.
Company officials met with employees in Auburn earlier today. All regular, full-time employees will be provided with a severance package based on the number of years they have worked at the facility. Employees are welcome to apply for positions at the Brillion, Wis., facility with the assistance of a relocation bonus.
Ariens purchased the facility in November of 2007 from Auburn Consolidated Industries (ACI).
