Bobcat announces nearly 200 layoffs in North Dakota
WEST FARGO - Bobcat Co. said this afternoon that it has laid off 195 salaried and hourly employees in North Dakota.
The cuts announced today include 29 of the 185 employees who work at company headquarters in West Fargo; 138 of the 1,000 people employed at its Gwinner production plant, and 28 of the 650 employees at Bismarck, said Laura Ness Owens, public relations manager.
"The challenging economy continues to affect sales levels," said Rich Goldsbury, president of Bobcat Americas.
"Earlier this year, indicators pointed to a turnaround in the fall of 2009, but the global recession has lasted much longer than anticipated," he said.
Bobcat manufactures skid-steer loaders, compact truck and all-wheel steer loaders, compact excavators, mini track loaders and Toolcat utility work machines at its North Dakota locations.
