The Dixon and Sterling areas will lose about 170 full-time jobs over the next year when a manufacturer moves its facilities to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The Anchor-Coupling plants are owned by Caterpillar: the parent company is moving the jobs as it consolidates more of its operations. Dixon Mayor Jim Burke says it’s a big loss to the community. He says he learned months ago the plants were being evaluated.
"They've been a good company to work for...dependable. They aren't a rollercoaster-type industry where they are laying off. They definitely will be missed," Burke said.
The company is offering to transfer employees, but Burke says a number of other manufacturers in the Dixon area are expanding, so there could be opportunities for them to find new jobs closer to home.
The Anchor-Coupling plants in Dixon and Sterling are expected to slow production late this year and close in the first quarter of 2015.