Briggs & Stratton announces 200 layoffs at Poplar Bluff plant

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Briggs & Stratton Corp. on Thursday announced 202 workers will be laid off at its Poplar Bluff plant, beginning Oct. 14.

"Due to economic conditions and the seasonal nature of our business, we need to adjust production schedules to manage finished goods inventories to planned levels," said Dave DeBaets, vice president of the company's North American operations.

The layoff is expected to affect 92 seasonal employees and 110 full- and part-time employees, according to a news release from Briggs & Stratton Corp. headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis.

"We are hoping when the economy comes back, we can put more people back to work," plant manager Mark Melloy said Thursday.

He indicated the plant will still have 1,037 workers following the layoffs.

Melloy said Briggs & Stratton has its own internal employee assistance group to help the affected employees.

"We have resources coming in and the state Rapid Response Team will be here Sept. 23," Melloy said.

Pertinent address:

731 Highway 142, Poplar Bluff, MO