Bobcat Expands Operations, Brings Jobs to Bismarck
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 17, 2012 For more information: Laura Ness Owens, Bobcat Company Gary Frantz, Menlo Worldwide Logistics Public relations manager Director, corporate communications Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mobile: (701) 367-3107 Mobile: (415) 819-6013 Bobcat expands operations, brings jobs to Bismarck Company announces plans for expanded production with Menlo and launch of Innovation Center at NPCC property (WEST FARGO, N.D. — April 17, 2012) Bobcat Company and Menlo Worldwide Logistics today announced the expansion of operations at Bobcat’s Manufacturing Support Center (MSC) in Bismarck. Bobcat also announced plans to acquire additional land at the Northern Plains Commerce Center (NPCC), to create an Innovation Center for product development and testing. Expanded production, additional jobs coming to Bismarck Production of Bobcat® compact attachments will begin moving to the new MSC (the former Bobcat production facility) immediately. Menlo has operated in Bobcat’s facilities as a strategic logistics partner since 2006. As many as 150 new positions will be created to support expanded production operations for the compact attachments line, which is being shifted to the MSC from a Bobcat Company-owned plant in Litchfield, Minn. — More — Bismarck expansion/ Innovation Center announcement Page 2 “This move enables us to better respond to customer demand for our attachments while leveraging the expertise of our strategic logistics partner in the process,” said Rich Goldsbury, president of Bobcat. “This is a positive move for Bobcat, Menlo, Bismarck and North Dakota.” This move will allow increased production of Bobcat attachments and equipment in the state of North Dakota, Goldsbury said, adding that market demand for compact attachments has increased as customers seek new ways to diversify businesses by adding more attachments to their existing compact equipment. “Menlo and Bobcat have enjoyed a strong relationship for six years, and we look forward to expanding that relationship,” said Bob Bianco, president of Menlo Worldwide Logistics. “Together we combine a world-class manufacturer with a world- class logistics provider to produce high quality equipment for the customer. It’s a terrific partnership.” While increased compact attachments business has outgrown the Litchfield plant’s capacity, Bobcat will continue operating the Litchfield facility by moving heavy equipment attachment operations from a Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment facility in Statesville, N.C. The move will involve around 65 positions, replacing more than a third of the jobs currently in Litchfield. Innovation Center plans announced Bobcat also announced plans for the former MSC building and the acquisition of additional land at the NPCC. The company will build an Innovation Center, designed as a center of excellence in product design. Bobcat officials say it will bring together customer-, product- and dealer-focused functions and processes, creating a dedicated environment for evaluating customer research, conducting product testing and training, — More — Bismarck expansion/ Innovation Center announcement Page 3 and refining manufacturing processes. Approximately 175 positions will be based at the Innovation Center, centralizing existing engineering jobs and adding new positions as well. “The Innovation Center concept comes from the very foundation of our company,” Goldsbury said. “That innovative spirit developed the very first skid-steer loader and launched the compact equipment industry — and it continues today in how we develop concepts and bring them to market. The Innovation Center is a commitment to our customers, dedicated to driving innovation and operational excellence through our products and our organization.” Work will begin on the Innovation Center later this year, with a full build-out at the NPCC to be completed by the end of 2014. The former MSC will be renovated, plus a 50,000 square-foot indoor arena will be added with a 5-acre outdoor operation area. “We’re proud to grow our business in North Dakota — we’ve built almost 1 million machines here,” Goldsbury said. “Adding positions, while also developing an environment to foster and accelerate the innovative spirit that has made Bobcat the market leader in compact equipment, is very exciting.” The additional employees and the attachments business will join the current logistics management, sub-assembly, kitting and delivery services, which have all been primary functions of Menlo at the MSC. ### Bismarck expansion/ Innovation Center announcement Page 4 ABOUT BOBCAT COMPANY Bobcat Company, headquartered in West Fargo, N.D., is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and distribution of compact equipment. Bobcat compact equipment includes skid-steer, all-wheel steer and compact track loaders; compact excavators; mini-track loaders; VersaHandler® telescopic tool carriers; utility vehicles; compact tractors and Toolcat™ utility work machines. Bobcat is a global brand with more than 600 dealer locations in North America and the leader in compact equipment — the industry’s original innovator, beginning more than 50 years ago with the first compact machine and predecessor to the skid-steer loader. For more information on Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com. ABOUT MENLO WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., USA, is the US$1.6 billion supply chain services subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW). The company manages a full range of logistics activities in North America, Europe and Asia for companies primarily in the automotive, technology, manufacturing, food and beverage, consumer product, chemical and retail industries. Further information about Menlo Worldwide and additional press releases are available via the Internet at www.menloworldwide.com. Bismarck expansion/ Innovation Center announcement Page 5 Additional facts/background: Bobcat presence in Bismarck today: . 162 Employees at Engineering and Aftermarkets Facility on Airport Road o Engineering o Product Management o Aftermarket Parts o Human Resources o Finance o Sourcing o Service Bobcat employs approximately 1,850 in North Dakota Gwinner, N.D. production facility . Skid-steer loaders . All wheel steer loaders . Compact track loaders . Compact excavators . Toolcat™ utility work machine . Attachments Wahpeton, N.D. Valves and cylinders production West Fargo, N.D. Corporate headquarters o Executive leadership team o Human Resources o Sales o Marketing Communications o Product Management o Finance o Sourcing .