Kohler cutting 750 jobs across U.S. due to slumping construction

KOHLER, Wis. (AP) — Kohler Co. is cutting 750 jobs in its U.S. plumbing operations, citing the continued slump in renovation and new home construction.

The cuts include 350 employees in Sheboygan County, about half of them union workers whose contract with the company remains under negotiation.

In a statement, Kohler says the reduction of 450 administrative and production positions and 300 temporary jobs is linked to the troubled U.S. housing market.

Kohler is currently negotiating with United Auto Workers Local 833 on a new contract. The union represents about 2,000 Sheboygan County factory workers.

Local President Dave Bergene told The Sheboygan Press the layoffs include 183 union employees from the Kitchen and Bath Group and distribution center.

Information from: The Sheboygan Press, http://www.sheboygan-press.com