Morris, Inc. President and CEO John Morris said the company will ramp down Morris Equipment's operations over the next 30 days to provide time for employees to find new jobs.

Fort Pierre, S.D.-based construction firm Morris Inc. announced Aug. 2, that the company plans to shut down its equipment rental division Morris Equipment within 30 days.

Morris, Inc. President and CEO John Morris made the announcement in a news release. Morris Equipment consists of implement dealerships and equipment rental businesses in Pierre S.D., Mitchell S.D., Mobridge S.D., and Valentine, NE. The closures come as the company faces challenges to remain profitable due to a sluggish economy and a drought that has affected its customer base, Morris said in the release.

“Our main focus during this transition will be our employees and our customers,” Morris said.

He said the company will ramp down Morris Equipment's operations over the next 30 days to provide time for employees to find new jobs. Morris said the division's employees will be offered a severance package. He also said the company will work with other Bobcat and Kubota dealerships in the area in an effort to help customers keep their equipment serviced.

Morris said Morris, Inc. plans to focus on its core business operations which are aggregate crushing, asphalt mix production and laydown, redi-mix concrete, site utilities, site work, all aspect of highway-heavy construction, and Ag. Irrigation services.

Morris Equipment's closure will mean the loss of approximately 25 jobs in the four locations, the release said. The release also said Morris Inc.'s management will be working with the local Department of Labor and Economic Development offices to find new opportunities for Morris Equipment employees.

Source: Capital Journal

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