Most of the jobs will be eliminated in August and September, 2017, according to a WARN notice filed with the city and state on Tuesday, May 18.
Most of the jobs will be eliminated in August and September of 2017, according to a WARN notice filed with the city and state on Tuesday, May 18. The layoffs will occur at Bosch's facility at 4700 Broadmoor Ave. SE, one of two Bosch manufacturing operations in Kentwood.
"All full-time salaried exempt and non-exempt associates will receive severance under the company's standard severance policy," according to the notice. "Some associates may be re-assigned or qualify for open positions within other Bosch locations."
"Each individual will receive at least one week advance notice outlining their final working day," the notice said.
"As a city we know that business happens... contracts are won and contracts are lost," said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley in a statement on Wednesday, May 18.
"We are saddened when the market changes and jobs are lost but we are optimistic at the growth we have seen in Kentwood and jobs available for those who are looking for a new opportunity."
"There is no impact to our second site in Kentwood, Robert Bosch Fuel Systems LLC, which specializes in fuel system remanufacturing and employs 140 associates," according to a company spokeswoman.
Bosch became one of Kentwood's largest employers in 1992 after it purchased General Motors Corp.'s Detroit Diesel injection business in a 50-50 deal with Penske Corp. Six years later, Bosch increased its holdings to 85 percent and, in 2002, bought the business outright.
Much of that presence disappeared in 2004, when Bosch closed its diesel injector plant and moved production to Germany, Brazil and South Carolina.
According to the company website, the Kentwood operation is one of nine diesel tech centers Bosch Diesel Systems operates in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Brazil, Japan, Korea and China.
Jim Harger covers business for Mlive Media Group. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.