Buhler Tractor Sales Hit Economic Induced Slowdown

Buhler Versatile is cutting back on their tractor production in Winnipeg with the layoff of 15 tractor workers and the rest being put on a three-day work week, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. The company said this is mostly due to lack of credit for its customers.

Canada’s only tractor manufacturer had been adding staff all through 2008 when it produced its highest quarterly profit results ever during the fourth quarter, partially as a result of an increased dealer network and growing demand in Eastern Europe. The credit crisis has changed it all, as that part of the world was hit hard by the economic doom.

“We figured we had three options. We could reduce the production rate and cut 100 jobs, we could have a four-month shutdown and (temporarily) lay off almost everyone, or we could reduce the work week and go on work share,” said Todd Trueman, Buhler’s human resource manager. “Management felt the best option was the third, and so we have applied for work share.”

The company’s short-run implement plants in Morden, Manitoba and Fargo, ND, are not expected to be affected. There are about 400 workers at the tractor plant in Winnipeg, another 200 in Morden and about 100 in Fargo.