08.10.2008

Genie downsizes in Moses Lake

An unconfirmed number of employees are to be laid off at Genies plant in Moses Lake, Washington.Initially employees from all areas of the business will be encouraged to participate in the company's voluntary exit programme.

Once the voluntary exits are confirmed Genie may be obliged to implement involuntary reductions, or layoffs depending on the number leaving under the exit scheme. The lay offs are part of a downsizing programme to adjust production to current market conditions. Genie currently employs about 650 people in Moses Lake.

Genie has also confirmed locally that it is working with an outplacement service to help departing employees find other work. The service will be available to anyone who participates in the exit programme.

The exit program has also been offered to employees at Genie's other U.S.A locations, in Redmond, Baraga - Michigan, Waco- Texas, Elk Point - South Dakota and Rock Hill - South Carolina.

The Moses Lake plant already closed for a week in September as part of the adjustment in capacity prior to the headcount reduction announcement.