GWINNER, N.D. (KFGO) – A union leader declares layoffs are likely at Bobcat Manufacturing plants in North Dakota and Minnesota, a claim the company disputes.
The President of Local 560 of the United Steelworkers union notified KFGO News Tuesday night that the company has informed the union that it has received approval to build a manufacturing plant in Mexico.
Cody Parrow stated it will mean the loss of between 300 and 500 jobs, mostly in Gwinner, North Dakota. Parrow stated other jobs will likely be cut in Bismarck where engines are produced and in Rogers, Minnesota where cabs and tailgates are manufactured for Bobcat’s M Series line of skid steer and front-finish loaders. Parrow stated the pay range in Gwinner is between $31.00 and $34.00 an hour. He stated labor costs in Mexico would be much lower.
Doosan Bobcat, with it’s US headquarters in West Fargo, in a statement issued late Tuesday night, stated it is exploring workforce challenges and facility constraints and identifying ways to support quality employment opportunities.
The company’s Nadine Erckenbrack stated there are no current plans to lower employment levels at its plants and it continues to have open positions to fill. Erkenbeck stated she doesn’t know where the union official obtained the information about the purported job losses.
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