AM I NEXT? NO LOVE -- LAYOFFS AT KOHLER COMPANY (UPDATED)

Am I Next? Modernization at Kohler Companies.

NOVEMBER 15, 2019 — 90 LAYOFFS IN ENGINES DIVISION

The company has announced the layoffs of 90 employees in their engines division, including: 46 assembly set up operators, 25 engine machine set-up operators, 11 service parts material handlers, 5 engine material handlers, 2 engine inspectors and 1 engine support position.

The decision was driven by economic conditions, primarily a slowdown in the overall economy.

This permanent relocation of the assembly line of the Engines division manufacturing facility originally announced in September 2018 is scheduled to commence on January 12, 2020.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 — 84 LAYOFFS IN SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN

The company has announced 84 employees, mostly in non-manufacturing positions, will be laid off in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

According to a company spokesperson, “Kohler regularly reviews its operations to ensure that the company is positioned for long-term success. We are providing full support to all associates impacted by this difficult news.”

In March, the company’s small engines division was moved from Wisconsin to Hattiesburg, Mississippi with 325 layoffs and the closure of its small engines plant.

Original Post…

Kohler, Wisconsin-based Kohler Company, best known for their iconic plumbing fixtures and other products, has announced operational changes in its Brownwood, Texas facility which will result in the layoff of 223 employees starting in June, 2019.

The decision was based on the obsolescence of its older conveyor cast process, along with two smaller casting processes, within its vitreous (porcelain ceramic) operations. The company will shift a portion of its production to othe Kohler facilities that have additional capacity and use more advanced and efficient methods in their pottery operations.

According to a company spokesperson, "The Brownwood site’s plastics operations, as well as one-piece casting and tank production in vitreous operations, are not impacted and will continue to operate as normal."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere ... are you now wondering, Am I Next?