News Releases for January 2009
January 22, 2009
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Hoeven Statement On Bobcat’s Announcement It Will Extend Temporary Suspension Of Production Two Weeks
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to Bobcat’s announcement it will extend by two weeks a temporary suspension of production at the company’s North Dakota facilities:
“I spoke yesterday with Bobcat President Rich Goldsbury, who informed me that the company will extend by two weeks its temporary suspension of production at the company’s facilities in Gwinner and Bismarck.
“The suspension will now extend to February 16, at which time, the company plans to bring workers back and resume production. At the same time, he made clear that Bobcat does not anticipate any permanent layoffs in the workforce.
“In October, Bobcat indicated that difficulties in the financial markets and a slowdown in the housing market were resulting in reduced demand for construction equipment. The temporary suspension became necessary to reduce a backlog of inventory, and is in line with reductions made by other industrial equipment manufacturers.
“To assist workers and their families during the suspension, I have asked Job Service North Dakota Director Maren Daley to continue to work closely with company officials and Job Service staff to help workers in extending their unemployment benefits claims. For convenience and efficiency, employees are able to extend and certify their claims via the Internet for the additional time period.”
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