BMW layoffs coming in December

BMW in Greer is laying off an undetermined amount of workers according to MAU President Randy Hatcher.

He said the company will lay off 500 workers beginning December 19. They will be paid through Christmas.

Hatcher says the layoffs are the result of “changes made by BMW relative to its new fourth quarter 2008 and early 2009 requirements.” He says one
of the main factors is BMW’s decision to stop production of the Z4 at its Greer facility. Production will continue in Germany. 

This move is also a result of the overall slowdown in the automotive industry because of the struggling economy.  Our sister station previously told you these layoffs were coming, but employees just received the official letters this week.

MAU is a workforce company based in Augusta, GA, which has provided contract employees to BMW since 2006.  These employees specialize in the
production of vehicles. Hatcher says BMW will have to provide the overall number of MAU employees who work there. He says MAU will have
job assistance programs available for the laid off employees.