ARIENS COMPANY CLOSING PLANT IN ALABAMA

BRILLION, WI — June 6 -- Ariens Co. said today it will close its manufacturing plant in Opp., Ala.

The plant, which is about 80 miles south of Montgomery, Ala., employs 17 people, and will continue operating until July 26.



The company has operated the facility since 2006 when it acquired Locke Turf Co., a manufacturer of reel mowers and specialty turf equipment. It is located on the Kinston highway, and in Opp, personnel were tasked with manufacturing snow-blowing equipment, Opp Mayor John Bartholomew said.

Corporate officials said the closure was done. in an effort to consolidate manufacturing operations for improved efficiency. Production will run through July 26.

“This decision is not a reflection on the performance of the plant,” said Bob Bradford, senior vice president of operations. “I’d like to thank the employees for the remarkable improvements they made on their lean journey of continuous improvement which began the day we acquired the plant seven years ago. They would be an asset to any of our other manufacturing facilities and we have offered them the option to transfer.”

The company, which makes snow throwers and other power equipment, said employees will be provided severance packages and outplacement assistance.

Customers should not see an impact on product delivery, the company said.

Reference: www.opeesa.com