Sep. 29—GWINNER, N.D. — A union spokesman is saying layoffs may be coming for hundreds of
Doosan Bobcat
workers in coming years, but the company is calling that claim "unfounded."
Cody Parrow, president of Local 560 of the United Steel Workers, said Bobcat has informed the union that it purchased property in Mexico and received permission to build a manufacturing plant there.
He said the company also told the union the change could impact 300 to 500 jobs in the region, mostly in Gwinner.
Parrow said impacts could happen as early as 2025.
Nadine Erckenbrack, public relations manager for Doosan Bobcat North America, said the company has no plans to lay off workers.
Erckenbrack said Doosan Bobcat, which has its U.S. headquarters in West Fargo, was "exploring opportunities to address current workforce challenges and facility constraints and identify ways to support market demand and growth."
"We are committed to creating and maintaining quality employment opportunities, and our recent investments in our facilities throughout our global footprint are proof of that commitment," she said.
"In fact, we recently announced a number of new facilities and expansions of existing manufacturing operations worldwide," Erckenbrack added.
She said the company's goal is to meet growing customer demand, and "there are no current plans to lower staffing levels at our facilities. In fact, we have grown the number of employees within the majority of our locations and continue to have open positions to fill. "
Erckenbrack described any claims that the company was looking to reduce employment numbers as "unfounded."
Parrow, who has worked at the Gwinner Bobcat plant for about 10 years, said the manufacturing plant is very important to the community, and the union will make every effort to keep jobs in the area.