KME announces layoffs at Nesquehoning facility
Kovatch Mobile Equipment in Nesquehoning has announced the layoff of 15 percent of its workforce, with cuts coming at the company’s Nesquehoning and California facilities. CHRIS REBER/TIMES NEWS
KME, one of Carbon County’s largest employers, announced Monday that it has eliminated “less than 15 percent” of its total workforce.
A statement from the Nesquehoning-based fire truck manufacturer said that the cuts would take place at the company’s Nesquehoning and California facilities.
KME’s vice president and general manager, Brian Connely, said Monday that the decision was prompted by a need to stay competitive in an ever-changing market. He declined to say the exact number of employees affected.
Connely said the company remains committed to the Carbon County area and that demand for new fire trucks remains strong. He said the cuts were a strategic move and should allow the company to grow in the future.
“KME remains committed to our employees and our community. The actions that were taken will allow us to be strategic in our market as well as the ability to grow and seek future opportunities within our industry,” Connely said in a statement.
The terminated employees includes production and support employees.
KME is still the third largest employer in Carbon County, according to the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry. They have produced fire apparatus for the New York City, Los Angeles and Philadelphia fire departments, and have produced hundreds of fire trucks for the federal government. They have also sold fire trucks all over the world.
The company makes custom fire trucks from the frame up, building virtually the entire truck in-house at its Nesquehoning facility.
Founder John J. ‘Sonny’ Kovatch Jr. was already a successful businessman when his company started manufacturing fire trucks in Nesquehoning in the 1980s.
In 2016, the Kovatch family sold the company to REV Group, a publicly traded company which owns dozens of brands selling commercial, emergency and recreational vehicles.
As of last October, the company employed over 400 production employees at its 577,000 square foot Nesquehoning facility. Employees at the Nesquehoning facility include assemblers, drivers, electricians, machine operators, mechanics, painters, plumbers, welders and inspectors. The company also operates a smaller manufacturing facility in Roanoke, Va.
Connely said the employees who were laid off are welcome to apply for job openings if they become available.
“We will continue to make the necessary business decisions to ensure the future success of our employees and company, as well as our continued commitment to the entire area.
Comments
I have a feeling another union vote might go the other way
That said, with the HUGE Trump economy booming like no economy has EVER boomed,some people are saying, they should have no problem getting one of those $15.00/hr warehouse jobs.
If $15 an hour is your definition of a good wage, I understand the support for trump
"Joe" comes here with witless snark and spreads it around like a pig farmer spreads manure. Not sure what he's trying to grow, but it stinks.
To those loosing there jobs, these are sad times, as I have been there repeatedly.
Perhaps this time will bring you to a better job.
Either way people are left are gonna have to work twice as hard now since 'demand is still high'. Seems odd to me that demand is high yet you don't need workers......unless.....you're positioning the company to be acquired.
But no one in Carbon County will ask the hard questions.
Under no circumstances say you're wrong. people love honesty, but not that much of it.
Splain that to me if you can... without vulgarity please.
Trump's trade deals help us. Though I get the feeling you don't actually work, so...
My tax dollars support the workers, we get fire trucks. What my tax dollars shouldn't support is the corporation firing 15% of its staff and calling it a day.
As for the layoffs? Been there, it sucks. The good side is that there are many many available jobs at this time. When one door shuts, another will open. We've all been through plant closings, that's not what this is... yet.
If this is a major player in Fire Apparatus, this might be a move that is needed to take KME to the next level. Chin up!
They have to answer to shareholders and the stock market. That is how they raise money!
NYSE: REVG
Russell 2000 Component
The layoffs are not personal, it is Business. They have to look attractive on paper so the shareholders are happy and people buy their stock and they stay in business. This is BIG BUSINESS!
For those that are crying it is hard to find a good paying job around here. Well it always was that way. That is why people drive to Allentown and beyond to work!
Better yet I suggest going back to School and learning a new Trade or get a Degree and do not limit your self to a small area that pays poorly to start. Move out of the area, travel 60-90 minutes to a job. Many people actually do this daily. Carbon has never been rich in high paying jobs. It is a depressed area as every coal region happens to be.
Talking Union- is useless. You'll close this plant down in a blink of an eye and it will go down south to a non Union. Don't play hardball with the hand that feeds you right now. If your not happy then look elsewhere now.
Getting laid off is no fun. It hurts. Just hold your head up and start applying for jobs asap elsewhere now. Do not sit at home and say Oh I will collect unemployment for 6 months then look. That does not look good to a potential employer.
And please Stop the Politics. This has nothing to do with it!
Those bringing that up show how uneducated they really are, which is really sad.
Educating yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself no matter what age you are.