[JimQ]

Well guys, it's official...

We just got the news. Husqvarna is consolidating all of it's Engineering and R&D efforts to Charlotte, NC.

I've got some interesting times ahead of me. So do a lot of other folks.

Here is the "official" internal Memo.

In order to develop a highly skilled US Research and Development competence center, Husqvarna has announced today its intention to consolidate its US based R&D functions into the North American Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. The consolidation of the US R&D operations will enable a greater focus on innovation of competitive quality products. It will also produce operational efficiency and synergy across multiple areas, driving increased speed to market for many of the Husqvarna products.

While having previously announced in January 2010, the intention to consolidate the headquarters in Charlotte, NC, today’s announcement is a clarification of some specific functions and operations impacted by the headquarters consolidation.

In line with these changes, the R&D centers located in, Texarkana, TX, Orangeburg, SC, Augusta, GA and Beatrice, NE will be consolidated and centralized to a new R&D Center in Charlotte, NC. The consolidation will occur in phases, the first of which is planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2010. Other phases and consolidation of functions will continue through the first half of 2011.

 

[Mowingman]

Sorry to hear that. The next bomb to drop will be the move of all manufacturing to one location, and I bet it will not be in the unionized, northern, or northeastern parts of the U.S.

 

[Hawg City Lawns]

im sorry to hear that jim are you going to relocate?

 

[MOHUSTLER]

Dang jim, thats crap. Wish you the best of luck in where ever the inustry takes you.

 

[djagusch]

Well I hope posting an internal memo in a public forum doesn't burn any bridges. Are some employee's going to be offered relocation to NC?

 

[JimQ]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, tough for me but definitely the right decision for the business. No hard feeling on my part for sure. It makes good business sense.

There will be a lot of relocations. I don't think I'll be one. I've got family that I just can't leave.

Q

 

[MOHUSTLER]

Well good news is your in the middle of mower country where your at. Im sure someone will snatch you up.

 

[davidcalhoun]

Hey Jim,

Family???????? Last time I was in you neck of the woods, you lived in that nice little farm house in the country and just had a girlfriend.

Hope everything works out for you. You have always been an upfront guy to all of us on this site.

Dave

PS I'll bet you don't want to move because you would not be able to ice fish in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

[Triplex]

Good luck, Jim. I was out for almost a year myself after my company got bought and a bunch of us got the boot. I think you're right to refuse relocation - no job is worth seeing your parents once a year at Christmas.

 

[Razorblades]

Sorry to hear that, Jim. At least you've got a little advanced notice of the upcoming changes so maybe you'll have time to think about and check out other options and possibilities.

Good luck and keep us informed about the PZ series feedback, as long as it is convenient for you to do so.

Aren't EverRide and Encore plants close to you?

If/when this recession turns around, you might be able to get a similar job with one of those companies.

 

[zman2307]

There are plenty of other companies that aren't too terribly far away.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[JimQ]

Hey Jim,

Family???????? Last time I was in you neck of the woods, you lived in that nice little farm house in the country and just had a girlfriend.

Hope everything works out for you. You have always been an upfront guy to all of us on this site.

Dave

PS I'll bet you don't want to move because you would not be able to ice fish in Charlotte, North Carolina.

HA! Hey Dave! :waving:

Yeah, family. My Mom and Dad are over in Iowa. That's where I grew up. I went through a divorce a while back. (The girlfriend might have had something to do with that! :laugh I've got 2 boys in Omaha with their Mom. They're 5 and 7. I Couldn't imagine life without them. Every-other weekend is tough enough.

And you're right, ice fishing in Charlotte just wouldn't be the same! The season is done here. We went out last weekend and had a heck of a time! There was about 9" of ice left. We caught a bunch of Bluegill, Crappie, and a few Bass. I drove by the lake again Thursday night and the ice was almost gone. Time to hang up the gear until next season.

My best to you and yours Dave!

Take care,

Q

 

[JimQ]

Sorry to hear that, Jim. At least you've got a little advanced notice of the upcoming changes so maybe you'll have time to think about and check out other options and possibilities.

Good luck and keep us informed about the PZ series feedback, as long as it is convenient for you to do so.

Aren't EverRide and Encore plants close to you?

If/when this recession turns around, you might be able to get a similar job with one of those companies.

Hey Bud. Thanks!

Yeah, they handled the situation well and gave us plenty of notice. It was much better than a Friday afternoon walk to the door!

You can bet I'll keep the PZ info coming.

I'm sure I'll find something to keep me busy. Like you said, there are a few other manufacturers around. eXmark, Encore, Everride/Ariens, and a few others that are a little farther away. If that doesn't work out, I guess I could always start farming! :laugh:

Q

 

[davidcalhoun]

If you get into farming, we'll have to start a thread about which color tractor is best.

Also sent you a PM

 

[gunner4green]

If you get into farming, we'll have to start a thread about which color tractor is best.

Also sent you a PM

well thats a no-brainer !! green and gold !! LOL LOL j/k...... (formerly from Iowa)

 

[Triplex]

If they offer you outplacement services, take advantage of them. You'll learn valuable things about writing a resume, networking, interviewing, etc.

I can't emphasize networking enough. If you know of any professional associations in your area for people in equipment manufacturing or turf care or anything related, start going to meetings. Even this forum is a good place to meet people; there's got to be R&D folks at other equipment makers who read this.

 

[Golfpro21]

Hey Jim

never corresponded with you personally, but have read a few of your threads and found them really informative.

Just for the record I swear by Huskovarna....I have 2 11 hp 30 inch snow blowers, a 24/48/ls tractor, blower/vac and trimmers, and waiting for delivery on a new 22inch mower

My dealer here in Barrie ontario is just amazing, he sends me accounts from other operators he deals with when they can't take on new clients, he offers to do stategic advertising programs with me, but mostly he just offers great service, will come out to a job site if something goes with my equipment, I can drop of a machine for service and it will be ready by days end if its routine

Anyways, I wish you all the best in your future endevours and keep the info coming