Layoffs are looming at Caterpillar which is a large employer in Spalding County with many Lamar employees. Officials won’t say how many jobs will be cut here but one report pegs it at all those hired in the last six years. There are also rumors of plant closings. This could impact Ranew’s which has two operations here in Lamar County. This is a terse release from media relations at CAT: ”As we have stated throughout the year and most recently in our third-quarter release, Caterpillar Inc. continues to take actions to reduce costs and bring production in line with demand. The employee notifications announced this week in Griffin, Georgia, which will be effective in December, are included in those actions. We are not breaking out specific location totals or employment details. Caterpillar’s Griffin facility currently assembles medium engines and gensets. A portion of the genset business will transition to Caterpillar’s Newberry, South Carolina, Electric Power facility as the final wave of a previously announced decision to consolidate assembly of the product there. Additionally, the softening of the mining business has negatively impacted engine demand and Griffin supplies engines that power mining equipment. While some cost reduction measures have already been implemented, further measures must be taken in the near-term. We know this is difficult for our employees and their families, but we must take steps to position the company for long-term success. Barbara Cox Media Relations
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