Closing of the Bobcat plant in Bismarck, N.D.

Rich Goldsbury, president of Bobcat America, makes an announcement about the closing of the Bobcat plant in Bismarck, N.D., Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009. The Bismarck plant will close permanently by the end of the year with about 390 of its 475 jobs transferred to the Gwinner plant in southeastern North Dakota.

Bobcat Co., which makes small loaders and light construction equipment, announced its Bismarck plant will be closed permanently by the end of the year and the bulk of the 475 jobs shifted to its plant in Gwinner in southeastern North Dakota. Union officials say laid-off workers in Gwinner will have first shot at the positions.

''This was a difficult decision because Bismarck has been a vital part of the Bobcat story for more than 30 years,'' said Rich Goldsbury, president of Bobcat Americas. ''But, good companies adapt to change, and this is a realignment that will best enable us to serve our dealers and customers moving forward.''

Over the next three months, 475 production positions will be phased out of Bismarck, but as many as 390 jobs will remain in North Dakota to accommodate the consolidation. Bismarck will retain 150 positions across product engineering, finance, accounts payable and aftermarket parts -- areas unaffected by the move. The Bobcat Manufacturing Support Center will also remain in Bismarck.