Bourgault Industries issues layoff notices

By Angie Rolheiser

Layoff notices have been issued at Bourgault Industries in St. Brieux.

The farming equipment manufacturer said in a news release that seven per cent of its workforce would be affected. The release stated market conditions are to blame with reduced demand for its products.

One Bourgault employee who was given a layoff notice and wished to stay anonymous said he only worked at the company for nine months but some longer-time employees were also given notices.

The employee said most of the approximately 50 people that received layoff notices will be working until Dec. 21. with no callbacks expected.

St. Brieux Mayor Leon Rheaume said there are possible impacts for the housing market in the community.

“Bourgault has been talking about building a housing project in town so that’s probably going to be put on hold until the economy turns around again,” Rheaume said.

At the present time, Rheaume can’t see any immediate effect on the town, adding that this is all part of the farming economy.

Bourgault declined to comment at this time.

Vaderstad Industries in Langbank, Sask. is not seeing the effects that are being felt by Bourgault according to CEO Nigel Jones.

“We’re actually full through the end of the year and into of January, we have a full order book but we are seeing that quote activity has slowed down,” Jones said. “Normally we would be in fairly consistent quote activity but due to disruptions to the harvest that’s kind of been delayed a little bit.”

Jones added they will be actually looking to add to their production staff.