Polaris Industries announced in April that it is making two changes to its manufacturing network to “consolidate production of like products and better leverage plant capacity.”
The changes include discontinuing manufacturing at its plant in Milford, Iowa, and transferring production to existing Polaris facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, Roseau, Minnesota, and Anaheim, California. The Milford location will be repurposed as a storage/warehouse facility to support the nearby Spirit Lake, Iowa, Polaris plant, which will continue to manufacture Indian Motorcycle products.
Pro Armor aftermarket product metal fabrication operations will transfer from its facility in Riverside, California, to Polaris’ recently acquired Transamerican Auto Parts facility in Chula Vista, California. Pro Armor will maintain its presence in Riverside, including its business operations, R&D, and vehicle up-fit services, but will relocate to a new building.
As a result of these two changes, approximately 390 jobs will be impacted, the majority of which will be relocated within the Polaris manufacturing network throughout 2017. Polaris is offering the opportunity for Milford and Riverside employees to relocate within its network, as well as providing resources including separation pay, assistance with health insurance coverage and outplacement services.
Meanwhile Polaris’ Spirit Lake factory, which will continue to serve as the “manufacturing center of excellence” for Indian Motorcycle, is getting investments to enhance its facilities, including a new experience center, upgraded employee facilities and additional office space.