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Bobcat moves North American production to original location
Bobcat Company announced that by the end of this year it will transfer all North American machinery production to its original manufacturing facility in Gwinner, ND. The move means production at Bobcat's Bismarck, ND, plant will cease by the end of 2009.

Currently the Bismarck plant manufactures mini excavators, the Toolcat utility work machine, the S70 skid-steer loader and mini track loaders. All other Bobcat skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, and all-wheel steer loaders are manufactured in Gwinner.

"This was a difficult decision because Bismarck has been a vital part of the Bobcat story for more than 30 years," said Rich Goldsbury, president of Bobcat Americas. "But, good companies adapt to change, and this is a realignment that will best enable us to serve our dealers and customers moving forward."

Over the next three months, 475 production positions will be phased out of Bismarck, but the company said as many as 390 jobs will remain in North Dakota to accommodate the consolidation. Bismarck will retain 150 positions across product engineering, finance, accounts payable and aftermarket parts - areas unaffected by the move. The Bobcat Manufacturing Support Center will also remain in Bismarck.

Crafco now manufactures sealant in Pennsylvania
Earlier this summer Crafco announced it had added a facility in Northumberland, PA, to its list of sealant manufacturing locations.