SMALL ENGINE PRODUCTION TO BE 'CONSOLIDATED'

Following on from their "disappointing" Q4 and year end results, Briggs & Stratton Corporationin the U.S announced plans to consolidate production of its small vertical-shaft engines into its Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility.

This consolidation will result in the closure of the company's Murray, Kentucky facility by the autumn of 2020 with the company saying this is intended to align production capacity with current and expected future market needs.

In an official statement, Briggs and Stratton said, "The market for small vertical-shaft engines has been relatively stable over the last several years but has not grown for various reasons, including a difficult housing market driven by the lack of affordable single-family homes in the United States.

"Unlike other areas of Briggs & Stratton's business such as commercial engines and products which have seen double-digit growth, the residential walk-behind mower market, where the vast majority of these engines are used, has not rebounded to historical levels. Accordingly, the Company is taking action to right-size its footprint."

Todd Teske, Chairman, President & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation added, "Our residential engine business continues to be core to our company as we make progress on diversifying our business by growing our commercial presence. This production consolidation is important for the long-term health of this operation and will allow for better utilisation of our assets by freeing up resources that we can use on growth areas within our company.

"Our team in Murray has done great things over the three decades since the plant was established. We are grateful for their work and the support we have received from the local community and Commonwealth of Kentucky."

It was reported that impacted employees will have the opportunity to relocate to another facility. The Poplar Bluff plant will be hiring to accommodate the increased production being added to that facility, in addition to the hiring taking place within the company's commercial businesses.

The Company anticipates annualised pre-tax savings of $12 million to $14 million, with approximately $10 million recognised by fiscal year 2021. Total charges related to the consolidation are expected to total $30 million to $35 million over fiscal years 2020 and 2021.