Johnson Controls to close Hudson facility

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It was the first tenant in the brand new St. Croix Business Park. Johnson Controls, Inc. purchased the first building site in 1996. Construction began that fall on a 54,000 square foot factory which would employ 60-70 people and produce seats for the Ford 150 and, later for the Ford Ranger Pick-up trucks assembled at the St. Paul Ford Plant.

Ford Motor Co. informed that union Monday that it will shut down the Ford plant on Dec. 19, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported, in a move that will result in the loss of about 800 jobs. At nearly the same time Johnson Controls Inc. told state officials it will close its car seat factory in Hudson, which will result in the loss of 51 jobs.

Section 109.07, Wisconsin Statutes and Chapter DWD 279, Wisconsin Administrative Code provide that, with certain exceptions, businesses employing 50 or more persons in the State of Wisconsin must provide written notice 60 days before implementing a "business (plant) closing" or "mass layoff" in the state. The notice requirement is similar to, but not the same as notice requirements under the federal Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification ("WARN") Act, which applies to if 100 or more are employed at the closing facility. Employers must comply with both laws if they both apply.

The Glendale, Wisconsin based company announced its closing by way of a notice to the state Department of Workforce Development, saying employees will be let go in four waves beginning in Dec. 14 and continuing through Feb. 28. The plant is represented by members of United Auto Workers Local 879.

During the 2010 campaign cycle Johnson Controls Inc. was listed by the group Wisconsin Democracy Campaign as giving $40,000 to Democratic Governors Associations and $75,000 to Republicans Governors Association.

Worldwide Johnson Controls Inc employs 154,000 people and in 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized them as the #1 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list.

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