The Oilgear Company notified state officials that it plans to shut down manufacturing operations at its Milwaukee facility by Dec. 31. The company said it anticipates permanently laying off approximately 70 professional and technical employees.
Some employees are expected to be laid off before Dec. 31, however, as work and equipment transitions. Affected employees will receive individual notices and will receive their regular pay and benefits through Oct. 5.
The Oilgear Company first notified state officials in May that it planned to cease operations by Aug. 1, affecting approximately 45 production and support employees.
At that time, The Oilgear Company said in a statement that the closure is due to realigning its manufacturing capabilities and services in the U.S. in order “to maximize the competencies and strengths of the entire Oilgear team as part of a broader vision to be a worldwide leader in hydraulic solutions.”
Manufacturing will be streamlined to two manufacturing centers in Traverse City, Mich., and Fremont, Neb. The company’s headquarters, along with its engineering, customer service, service, and other administrative functions, will remain in Milwaukee. The company tentatively plans to move to a “new, more modern facility” in 2016.
“The realignment allows Oilgear to maximize its operating efficiencies and continue ongoing capital investments as part of a global growth strategy,” the company said in a statement. “Focused centers of excellence also maximize the ability to share expertise and knowledge to enhance product development efforts and speed customer responsiveness.”
Located at 2300 S. 51st St., The Oilgear Company is a worldwide fluid technology provider, with a focus on integrated hydraulic/electric systems, large press retrofits and detailed and hi-tech solutions. It has approximately 475 employees worldwide.
