Lake Oswego, Oregon-based Gunderson LLC, a subsidiary of The Greenbrier Companies, Friday announced that it has implemented a 4-day work week at its marine barge operation as a means of reducing production rates. The revised schedule was implemented earlier last week.
"As a result of recent uncertainties in the marine market it is prudent for us to adjust production until there is more clarity," said William A. Furman, president and chief executive officer of Greenbrier. "Increased market uncertainty due in part to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and delays in oil drilling projects have affected our customers, causing them to become more cautious in their near term outlook and to delay decisions."
Furman concluded, "Over the next several months, we hope to gain greater clarity in our marine operations. At such time, we will reevaluate our production manning levels to determine whether to continue production at current rates, resume at higher rates, or invoke additional adjustments including layoffs."
Gunderson, located at a deepwater facility on the Willamette River for over 70 years, manufactures railcars and marine barges.
Greenbrier, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a supplier of transportation equipment and services to the railroad industry. The Company builds new railroad freight cars in its three manufacturing facilities in the US and Mexico and marine barges at its US facility. It also repairs and refurbishes freight cars and provides wheels and railcar parts at 37 locations across North America. Greenbrier builds new railroad freight cars and refurbishes freight cars for the European market through both its operations in Poland and various subcontractor facilities throughout Europe.