Stihl, the biggest chainsaw manufacturing company in the world, has implemented temporary furloughs at its U.S. headquarters in Virginia Beach.
The furlough affects 30% of the company’s workforce, said company spokesperson Stephanie Friess, an executive vice president with Earned Communications.
The company made a difficult decision because of softening market conditions on select manufacturing areas in the Virginia Beach facility, Friess said.
The duration of the furloughs will be dependent on anticipated improvements within the market, she said.
“We are committed to supporting our affected employees during this time and will work tirelessly to return all employees to normal work status as soon as possible,” Friess said.
In November, Stihl had employed more than 2,500 workers in Hampton Roads, based on the announcement of the company’s $49 million expansion. Its factory on over 180 acres in Virginia Beach manufactures and exports millions of gas- and battery-powered handheld outdoor equipment products annually to more than 90 countries.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, [email protected]
