ATLANTA -- Briggs & Stratton Corp. cited ongoing drought conditions as it announced that the company will temporarily shutter a McDonough, Ga., facility that makes lawn and garden equipment.
Production will be suspended from Oct. 29 through Nov. 25. About 340 hourly employees and 200 temporary employees will be laid off during the shutdown.
The company said Monday it wants to reduce its equipment supply amid lagging demand.
Drought conditions have affected large portions of the United States since May.
The company said it will not discontinue parts shipments to customers during the period.
The Wisconsin firm said the temporary action should have no significant impact on its income forecast for fiscal 2013. The company initially projected net income of $60 million to $75 million. That's $1.25 to $1.55 per diluted share.
Associated Press