'Our hearts ache': Oshkosh Defense to lay off 160 workers

Military vehicle manufacturer Oshkosh Defense plans to layoff approximately 160 workers early next year, the company announced Wednesday.

The Oshkosh Corp. subsidiary said in a statement that the layoffs are a response to “overstaffing in certain production areas” and will be effective Jan. 5.

“This difficult decision was made only after careful consideration of all available options,” the statement reads. “Impacted team members will be provided with information, resources, and transition support to assist them during this process.”

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The company says it remains committed to supporting its workforce.

United Auto Workers Local 578 represents workers at Oshkosh Defense. In a statement posted to social media, UAW Local 578 President Bob Lynk said the company is laying off 160 people in “our union family.” He says the union is “extremely disappointed” in the company’s direction.

“We ask the workforce and the community keep our people in their hearts, especially as we head towards the holiday season,” he wrote.

In 2023, Oshkosh Defense lost its bid to keep a major military contract, valued at more than $9 billion. The contract to produce Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, or JLTVs, went to an Indiana-based company. A decade ago, Oshkosh Corp. described the JLTV, “the vehicle of the future.”

Since losing the contract, Lynk said the company “continues to sink its focus into one line — military.”

He called on Oshkosh Corp. to return “outsourced work” to Oshkosh, referencing the company’s 2021 decision to send production of new trucks for the United States Postal Service to South Carolina.

“You could stop this from happening to an area that relies heavily on you as an employer,” Lynk said in the statement.

He said the community has aided the company through tax incentives, rezoning and support for corporate building projects.

“Stop forgetting about your workers here at home,” Lynk added. “Our hearts ache for those losing their jobs through no fault of their own.”