Dixie Chopper fully intends to call back workers by early 2014

This is press release written by the fine folks left at DC. I will believe it when it happens. Perhaps they should have spent less money on motorcycles and truck pulls and concentrated on the business of making mowers amd money. I not at all surprised they laid off all hourly employees. Those of them left will get a good bonus this year.

The " City Slickers" are gone - who hired them in the first place? That's right - they did. The new mower " got a lot of attention for durability"- how can it have a durability record if it is new? Shame on the banner for not doing any real newspaper work and research. Eric worked there, he should know better.

You don't know how many were laid off? Did you ask? Did they refuse to answer? Did you contact Indiana Department of Workforce Development to see what was reported to them? Is this really a news gathering organization?

It's called a Press Release.

Clearly, not all of this story was copied as a press release. I heard that 75 people were laid off. Seems odd though, that the new management structure put in place in June would wait until a week before the holiday season to lay off these unfortunate workers. Maybe foresight is not the management team's strong suit, and being reactive to negative cash flow is.

I have learned though the years when someone says they "fully intend" to do something, there's about a 50% chance it will happen. The beginning of 2014 is about 6 weeks away, we'll see how many are called back then.

Please reference the user name as I am joining the rest of you experts that know everything. That company has been aroung for 30+ years and employing several of the folks in Putnam county. Giving them the opportunity make a living and to provide for their families. Now that the Company is needing the support of the community, everyone is quick to turn and bash them? Shame on those of you that do! Also, for those of you that have all of the answers, perhaps you should contact the Evans family to provide your knowledge instead of blogging on a news site

It is unfortunate for the workers of this company. I have to say that the business practices of this company are appalling. They have not and will not pay their suppliers. I am one of them and I am certain I will not do business with them ever again. They owe my company over $50,000 and basically told me they did not care.

Pathetic

I wish all the fine folks at Dixie the best especially the workers who are uncertain of their future. Dixie stop building too many of things like 4wd, classic T and W's that are not proven. get someone who is an expert to help you make better choices. you were once the leader in the industry you sat back and allowed the industry to pass you by. focus or get obsoleted

Dixie Chopper was doing a very profitable business until the end of June. Dixie chopper had made mistakes over the past 10 years, laying off bunches of loyal workers in the past. The profit of this successful year was being used to pay for those mistakes.... But the "family" wanted that money in their pockets! In June they terminated the true professionals that we're bringing this company to success, so the "family" could put the money in their pockets! The family brought in a firm called Conway Mackenzie ( Google them ) . They stopped paying suppliers, they stopped paying their top sales people commissions and bonuses. They terminated them,,, defaulting on payments of up to $28,000, calling the compensation program "alleged". It's laughable they say they follow the "Art Evans seven principles of business", it must be something different than what is written on their trailers.... Dig deep Banner and follow the money,,,,you'll find out what is really going on!

Who knows if any of the above comments are true? And if so, what does it matter. This is a family owned business and they will always do what is best for "the family". Completely my opinion. Don't work there anymore and quite frankly dont care. I do feel bad for the guys that where laid off though, my SIL included. Praying for the best!

my guess is this is a critical time for Dixie. the fact that they are laying off is an indication they are not seeing strong orders from dealers. (my dealer is ordering heavy on scag mowers, nothing for Dixie)I think over the past few years Dixie got a little aggressive with pumping product onto dealers floors. now the dealers are busting at the seams with mowers they cant sell. who is going to pay for the mowers just sitting on dealers floors. Hmmmm inventory is an expensive thing in any business especially if you don't have a hope of selling it. So no matter what they do the old inventory is either going to break the dealers or Dixie or maybe both. my old dealer is concerned he will get stuck holding the bag if Dixie doesn't do something to help.

Truth be told again* is absolutely clueless to what's really going on. The "Professionals" that were terminated in June were slowly destroying the company. The "profits" of this year were paying off all of THEIR mistakes. The family took the company back under their control and have been working 16 hour days to make it right. In order to continue operation and get through this hard time, workers had to be laid off. If you think the family is stuffing their pockets for personal gain, you're dead wrong.

Wes is the most honest person with more integrity than anyone I know. His heart aches for the employees who were let go, and he DOES have every intention of bringing back as many of them as possible when the time comes.

Dixie Chopper has employed thousands of Putnam Country residents and supported several charities and community events through the years. It's a shame that so many people are criticizing the company for trying to keep their doors open.

@dixiechoppersupplier - unfortunately you should consider yourself lucky if they only owe you $50k. There are others that are owed far more than that. Way more.

I am also certain that the "family" is not lining their pockets. There's nothing to line their pockets with. The bucket is empty. The only thing they have is a brand and some finished goods inventory that isn't selling.

My best guess is that the ownership is using this time to evaluate their options which includes filing for bankruptcy protection or selling the whole thing. However, any potential buyer would force Magic Circle into bankruptcy to reorganize the debt (ie clear out their a/r balances), and then the potential buyer would purchase what's left over...the brand.