Polaris leaving Wisconsin, going to Mexico...

[RobsanX]

I guess if you can't bring the Mexicans to you, you have to go to them...

Polaris' Osceola plant closure will cost region hundreds of jobs

Polaris Industries, manufacturer of popular ATVs, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles, announced Thursday it will close its massive Osceola plant and move the engine manufacturing operations to sites in Minnesota, Iowa and Mexico.

Polaris Industries, manufacturer of popular ATVs, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles, announced Thursday it will close its massive Osceola plant and move the engine manufacturing operations to sites in Minnesota, Iowa and Mexico.


About 500 people are now employed at the plant. The action is expected to be completed in two years.


The Osceola operation includes three buildings totalling more than 300,000 square feet.


“While this was a difficult decision for us, given the impact on our employees at the Osceola facility, we believe the creation of these manufacturing centers of excellence will strengthen our company over the long-term and enable us to maintain our lead in a competitive market,” CEO Scott Wine said in a news release.


"Pursuing opportunities in new markets outside the United States, while concurrently evaluating our cost structure to improve our long-term competitive positioning, are key components to our growth strategy. This decision was based on a thorough review of our worldwide operations and will allow us to improve our ability to meet the quality, delivery and cost standards desired by our dealers and customers."



Snowmobile assembly will remain in the Roseau facility and Victory motorcycle assembly will remain in the Company's Spirit Lake facility. As part of the manufacturing realignment, certain Osceola manufacturing processes will be moved into the Roseau, Spirit Lake and Mexico facilities to more effectively utilize company resources, Polaris officials said.

http://www.rivertowns.net/event/article/id/233103/

 

[thcri]

Survival is what it is. Polaris is trying to compete with foreign companies who's employee rates are much less. If they don't make this change will they survive?? Probably not. Polaris must think not. Polaris and it's industry has been hit pretty hard lately not only in the economy but Government regulations. Keep in mind they are moving some of the operations from Wisconsin to Minnesota and Iowa. Will it offset what is going to Mexico, absolutely not. If the economy was better I am sure this wouldn't be happening.


Polaris

 

[Tractors4u]

While your subject line is partially true Rob it doesn't tell the entire story. This really is a pattern of yours. Are you sure you're not a reporter? Sensational headlines seem to be your thing. Yes Polaris is leaving Wisconsin and moving to Mexico.....and Iowa and Minnesota.

 

[Melensdad]

I have to wonder, is it better for Polaris to save SOME jobs while moving some of its production to Mexico, or is it better for them to become non-competitive and simply go out of business because they can't compete with other, lower priced, brands?

We all know that Polaris is one of the higher priced/premium brands now and there is no question that their prices cause them to lose some business.

 

[Snowtrac Nome]

over the next few years it might make for a better ride our local dealer sell both polaris and yahama atv's and the mechanic that runs their service department claims that the stupidest thong polaris did was put wheels on any thing as far as reliability the jap quads and arctic cat have the polaris whipped hands down alot of te quads up here are in the 25 to 30000 mile range because in the villages they are the family car.

 

[JEV]

They're probably leaving because labor put their boot on the throat of profitability. Just sayin....

 

[norscaner]

I loved their sleds but it is pretty hard to beat a Jap quad for a dependable bike.

 

[Cletis]

Just to give some kind of reference to the wage difference. I've been with a Caterpillar dealer for a long time and part of my job deals with the Cat engineers and their supplier engineers on a regular basis. A mth ago I had two engineers from Mexico I was working with. We were having a discussion about wages and most of our senior mechanics make about $34hr while they said their top hands in Mexico make $34 in two days. Absolutely amazing just how much work and product is in Mexico.

Cletis

 

[JimVT]

I don't want to start a debate but every time I hear something like that I think NAFTA

 

[Big Dog]

I loved their sleds but it is pretty hard to beat a Jap quad for a dependable bike.

^ .......... Exactly how I see it and have witnessed. A couple of my friends have Polaris quads and something is always falling off or being fixed.