Polaris Plans Osceola Plant Closure Affecting 200 Jobs
Polaris to Close Osceola, Wisconsin Plant as Indian Motorcycle Spinoff Moves Forward
Polaris has announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Osceola by the end of the year, a move tied directly to a major restructuring of its motorcycle business.
The Osceola plant has produced engines and powertrain components for motorcycles since 1991 and currently employs about 200 workers. Those jobs will be eliminated when the facility shuts down.
Earlier this month, Polaris revealed it would spin off Indian Motorcycle into a separate business and sell a majority ownership stake to a California-based private equity firm. According to the company, the Osceola closure is part of that transaction.
Read related: Polaris announces Indian Motorcycle spin-off.
In a news release, Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen said the deal is designed to allow both companies to move faster and focus on their strongest growth opportunities, while creating long-term value for shareholders.
As part of the transition, Polaris says Indian Motorcycle’s production facilities in Monticello and Spirit Lake will transfer to the new ownership group. Meanwhile, engine and clutch production currently handled in Osceola will be relocated to Polaris’ existing plant in Roseau.
Company officials have not yet detailed severance packages or transition assistance for affected workers, but the closure marks the end of more than three decades of motorcycle component manufacturing in Osceola.
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