Restored Nebraska plant creating a buzz as it hits its stride (failed in 2007 NOW 200 jobs)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/money/restored-nebraska-plant-creating-a-buzz-as-it-hits-its/article_5960db1d-6081-5f65-89ee-781026135242.html

POSTED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 1:00 AM | UPDATED: 9:59 AM, WED SEP 10, 2014.
By Cole Epley / World-Herald staff writer

AUBURN, Nebraska — For a company that trains its workers to “Work like the tortoise, not the hare,” local employees at Ariens Co. sure make quick work of manufacturing outdoor chore equipment.

In the time it takes to mow the lawn in front of the company’s plant in the middle of town, about five riding lawn mowers roll off the production line inside — or one every 675 seconds.

“That’s from sheet metal to a product you can ride out on,” said Cliff Barley, director of operations for Ariens’ Auburn facility.

The Brillion, Wisconsin-based company purchased the plant and business from Auburn Consolidated Industries, which failed in 2007, and has hit a stride in the last year. Employment and production have returned to historically high levels while Ariens has worked to entrench itself among the greater Auburn community.

FULL story at link.



JAMES R. BURNETT/THE WORLD-HERALD
Danny Sullwold assembles a lawn mower at the Auburn, Nebraska, plant of Ariens Co. The Wisconsin-based Ariens purchased the plant and business from Auburn Consolidated Industries when that company failed in 2007 after more than 80 years in business. Ariens has restored the plant, and employment has grown to roughly 200.