Doosan Bobcat Suspends Operations at Some US Plants to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads in the United States, Doosan Bobcat has decided to suspend operations at some of its local factories.

Doosan Bobcat announced on the 2nd that it will close its factories in North Dakota and Minnesota from the 6th (local time) to the 19th. The small construction equipment factory in North Carolina will suspend operations from the 4th to the 19th. The Wahpeton factory in North Dakota will operate normally.

A Doosan Bobcat official explained, "As the spread of COVID-19 has worsened in the U.S., a social distancing campaign has begun. Accordingly, we have decided to suspend operations at some factories considering the safety of employees and the local community."

Doosan Bobcat also added that it currently has enough inventory to meet market demand and orders. Furthermore, although factory operations will stop, customer service centers will continue to operate normally.

Doosan Bobcat's sales last year were $3.869 billion on a consolidated basis, with an operating profit of $417 million. The North American and European regions account for about 80% of Doosan Bobcat's total sales. In particular, last year, Doosan Bobcat ranked first in market share in the North American skid steer loader (SSL) and compact track loader (CTL) markets.