Gardner Denver Inc has announced the consolidation of the North American manufacturing operations of its compressor and vacuum pumps used in OEM applications into its Monroe LA facility. Production from the company's Sheboygan WI operations will be transferred to Louisiana over the next 12 months. The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2010.
Barry Pennypacker, president and chief executive officer of Gardner Denver, said, “Although a number of factors influenced the decision to consolidate production in Monroe, our primary focus was to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business by continuing to drive cost and inefficiencies out of the operations, while increasing our flexibility through the implementation of the Gardner Denver Way.
“As part of moving the operations to Monroe, the state of Louisiana, through its Rapid Response Fund Grant, will reimburse Gardner Denver for most of the costs incurred in relocating its equipment and personnel from Sheboygan, provide annual payroll and sales tax rebates through its Quality Jobs Program, and facilitate employee recruitment and training through its Louisiana FastStart Program. The City of Monroe will assist in the construction of a new 124,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility adjoining our existing manufacturing operation.”
The company employs approximately 366 people in Sheboygan, including about 280 in manufacturing operations and related support functions, and 76 people in Monroe.