Husco International will shut down production for its off-highway business in Waukesha, moving work to other facilities and potentially eliminating 100 positions.
The Waukesha-based manufacturer will continue production of automotive parts at the Waukesha facility and is moving forward with plans for a $25 million investment in the facility. The company announced an investment of $20 million last year and has since increased the size of the project.
Austin Ramirez, chief executive officer of Husco, said the decision will better align operations with the market in the off-highway sector, while also allowing the automotive investment to move forward.
“We regret having to say goodbye to our valued colleagues who have been instrumental in our success over the years and are committed to doing our best to ensure a smooth transition for all involved,” Ramirez said.
Husco cited a protracted downturn in the energy, mining, construction and agricultural industries served by the off-highway business as the reason for the consolidation.
The company, which develops and manufactures hydraulic and electro-hydraulic controls, plans to move the off-highway assembly, machining and maintenance operations to facilities in Whitewater and Maquoketa, Iowa. The move will take place in phases starting in September and is expected to be complete by early 2017.
The decision leaves an uncertain future for approximately 100 salaried and hourly positions at the Waukesha facility. It is possible some positions will transfer. The company plans to file a WARN notice with the state in the near future.
Husco also has manufacturing operations in China, India and England. The reduction could potentially cut the company’s workforce by 3 percent.
