Polaris: More than 100 hourly workers laid off

Polaris Industries Inc. has cut production of its Ranger utility vehicle at its plant in Roseau, in northern Minnesota, and laid off more than 110 employees.

The maker of snowmobiles, ATVs and other leisure vehicles has been battered as the economy turned to recession and discretionary spending has tapered off.

Mark Karl is director of operations for the company's plant in Roseau. He disclosed the layoffs Monday in a speech at Roseau's Civic and Commerce Banquet.

Polaris Director of Investor Relations Richard Edwards says the company has gone from two shifts to one for the production of its Ranger utility vehicles in Roseau.

Edwards would not discuss current sales or production figures, but did say there's been a drop off from the fourth quarter a year ago.

The Medina-based company is scheduled to report its fourth quarter results Jan. 29.

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