Emporia city officials say they are disappointed by Tuesday’s announcement the Detroit Reman complex will be closing by the end of the year, but they are withholding most other comments until additional meetings Wednesday.
A news release from Daimler Trucks North America, the parent company of what used to be known as Detroit Diesel, says the move is being made “to optimize operational efficiency” and involves a consolidation of its production footprint. The move will mean layoffs for over 110 employees locally.
Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas President Kent Heermann tells KVOE News he is planning a meeting with different stakeholders Wednesday morning, and more comment will be available after the meeting ends. He says the city will do its best to direct the affected employees to other jobs in town, with a Rapid Response effort involving job searching techniques, job training or retraining, short-term health insurance and unemployment insurance, along with a job fair, to be scheduled soon. City leaders have also reached out to the state for additional resources.
Employees were notified during a meeting Tuesday. Detroit Reman says it will provide outplacement support to the affected workers, including severance packages, according to Heermann and Mayor Danny Giefer.
1:30 pm Tuesday: Emporia’s Detroit Reman plant, warehouse to close by New Year’s Eve
Emporia’s Detroit Reman plant and warehouse will be closed by the end of the year.
A news release from Daimler Trucks North America, the parent company of what used to be known as Detroit Diesel, says the move is being made “to optimize operational efficiency” and involves a consolidation of its production footprint. The move will mean layoffs for over 110 employees locally, although Daimler has not said whether they will take place gradually or in stages.
Employees were notified during a meeting Tuesday. Detroit Reman says it will provide outplacement support to the affected workers.
The city of Emporia approved $2.5 million worth of industrial revenue bonds to help Detroit Reman build a new 80,000-square foot warehouse almost five years ago.
More information about the Detroit Reman situation is likely either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
