Electrolux U.S. Freezer Plant May See Layoffs Nov 12, 2004

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The Electrolux freezer factory in St. Cloud, MN, U.S. could see layoffs as a small portion of its production moves to China, a spokesman said.

Company spokesman Tony Evans said the company will make one size of compact freezer in China instead of St. Cloud to reduce costs and free up plant capacity.

"It's a small part of our overall freezer production," he said.

The St. Cloud plant has fought to stay competitive with foreign factories that have lower labor costs and fewer environmental rules.

The number of layoffs in St. Cloud is unknown because the factory might be able to absorb some workers in other areas of production, Mr. Evans said.

Union representative Lewis Neuman said he hopes to learn soon about production schedules for December and January.

The plant shut down for a week in early July to allow demand to catch up with production. It has 1,680 hourly workers who belong to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. (Associated Press, St. Cloud Times)

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