Genie to start new Moses Lake production line in 2010

MOSES LAKE — Genie Industries plans to move a telehandler manufacturing line from Baraga, Mich., to Moses Lake during the first quarter of 2010, the company announced Thursday.

It is part of a consolidation,

The production line will be staffed with existing employees in Moses Lake, according to Melinda Zimmerman-Smith, a company spokesperson for the aerial lift manufacturer.

When the Baraga plant closes later this year, 90 positions will be reduced there, she stated.

In Moses Lake, production start-up will also take place during the first quarter of 2010.

“Adding volume to any plant is always positive. The telehandler market is partially related to the residential housing market, she stated.

“As the housing market returns to growth, then the volume requirements for telehandlers will increase,” she stated.  “Having those products in Moses Lake means increasing volumes in the future for that facility.

She described a

telehandler as being short for “telescopic handler” and “as a multi-purpose machine with a telescopic boom that accepts different attachments to lift, move and place materials ranging from bricks and gravel to lumber.”

“They’re often the first machines on the job and the last to leave because they can be used for so many different applications,” she commented.

The Baraga plant closes between Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

“Consolidating this product line into our established manufacturing plant in Moses Lake will allow us to share best practices, facilities and resources,” she stated. “The actions we are taking today are extremely difficult given the talented group of employees and management in Baraga …That said, we are confident that this decision will help us remain competitive in the industry and will ensure a strong future for our telehandler business in and through the challenging market ahead.”

Genie reduced its worldwide workforce by about 11 percent in September, with 15 positions cut in Moses Lake.