Grove idles 95 more workers

September 23, 2002|by RICHARD BELISLE

waynesboro@herald-mail.com

Grove Worldwide officials, blaming continuing depressing market conditions, announced on Friday the permanent layoff of 95 workers at its main plant in Shady Grove.

It's the second layoff for the giant crane maker in last two months. In July, 125 workers were laid off.

Grove also announced Friday that 51 workers were laid off in its National Crane Division in Waverly, Neb., said John McGeehan, vice president, Human Resources.

McGeehan said the layoffs affected employees across the board in the Shady Grove plant.

Grove also announced layoffs in a factory in Germany.

John Wheeler, acting Grove Worldwide president, said in a news release that the company needs to take immediate steps to adjust staffing levels to meet market and customer demands.

"In addition," Wheeler said, "we must reduce our operating costs by reducing the sales, engineering and general administrative staff."

Wheeler said temporary production shutdowns at Shady Grove are planned for November through January in order for the manufacturer to balance its finished goods inventory and production schedules with customer demand.

Grove began a series of layoffs about three years ago. Friday's layoffs were the third round this year. In February, the company laid off 70 employees.

In August, the final papers were signed for Grove's sale to Manitowoc Company Inc., a leading manufacturer of lattice-boom, tower and mobile hydraulic cranes and boom trucks. It is also a leading maker of ice cube machines.

Grove's specialties include mobile hydraulic and truck-mounted cranes and aerial work platforms.

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