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Business North - The Daily Briefing - Business Newspaper Online
Northstar Aerospace recalls 30 percent of its workforce
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7/8/2009 |
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Northstar Aerospace (Duluth, MN) announced it has recalled 30 percent of it workforce, about 20 employees, over the past 6-8 weeks, some of whom were laid off dating back to September 2008.
The aerospace & aviation and manufacturing sectors were hit especially hard in this region. However, with the return of Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft to eight planes per week, and the signing of several new customers both in aerospace & aviation and wind energy technology, Northstar has seen production levels increase steadily since May 2009. “I am cautiously optimistic about our future,” Northstar Aerospace President & CEO, John M. Eagleton said in referring to recent upward trends in production. “We had a near death experience in late 2008, but we’re still here and showing definite signs of life,” Eagleton noting that Northstar Aerospace is beginning to transition from survival mode to one of recovery beginning with the third quarter 2009.
“The second half of 2008 was a stunning reminder of how business can change quickly,” Eagleton said. “I chose then to look at this as an opportunity to redefine our image.” As a result, Northstar Aerospace has made production inroads into wind energy technology, while sustaining its base in aerospace & aviation. Today, Northstar is a leaner, more productive company looking to return to pre-economic crisis status in the next 12-18 months.
Vice President, Human Resources, Kevin C. Snyder, stated, “If production trends continue at its current pace, Northstar could recall significantly more employees by the end of the year.” Snyder credits Eagleton for saving the company, “Mr. Eagleton will tell you he’s never seen anything like this in his 45 years of managerial and manufacturing experience. That may be true, but he knew enough to recognize the crisis for what it was early on and as a result made quick and decisive decisions necessary for us to still be here today.”
Eagleton credits his managerial team and the production workers for their loyalty and dedication during this crisis. “They all came through for us when we needed them most,” Eagleton said. However, Eagleton also noted, “This isn’t over yet. We’re still a long way from where we were and where we want to be, so no one here is congratulating themselves yet.”
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