MUSCODA - Durr Universal of Muscoda announced recently the impending layoff of 87 employees at its Musocda facility. 

In a letter sent to both the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Muscoda Village President Dorothy Hackl, Durr Vice President Cary Bremigan shared the facilities’ anticipated plans of laying off 87 workers. 

“Based on a reduction in volume, capacity, and optimization, a significant reduction in manufacturing operations at the facility will occur in connection with this layoff,” the letter stated. “We anticipate the number of affected employees will be 87. The exact date of the employee separations related to these plans has not been finalized, however, the separations will occur in August 2021 and we will provide an updated notice when we have firm date or dates. These layoffs are expected to be permanent.” The letter goes on to state that the employees will receive any benefits and wages to which they are entitled at the time of separation. 

“It’s a huge surprise to me and sad news for Muscoda and the employees who will be losing their jobs,” shared Village President Dorothy Hackl. “I’ve personally known some employees there for many years. It’s sad, but we will look forward to the future of the facility as well as the future for Muscoda. We will try our best to help the displaced workers as well.”

In addition to the letter, there was an attachment labeled Exhibit A which included the list of affected employee positions. The positions cover many different aspects of the business including Administrative Assistants, Business Development Manager, Blaster CNC Machinists, various fabrication positions, maintenance positions and more. However the Welding department seems to have been hit the hardest with a total 33 welders being on the list.