Excel lays off 270 from Hesston plant

Excel Industries of Hesson on Thursday announced that it will lay off 270 production workers, effectively immediately, the company said.

The company, which makes zero-turn riding lawnmowers under the Hustler Turf and BigDog brands, will continue operating a first and second shift.

Excel has seen three years of unprecedented growth, more than doubling in size, according to a company news release.

This year growth has slowed to a more modest pace, even as the overall market for turf care products is flat or down due in part to adverse weather and economic conditions in many parts of the country, according to the release.

The family-owned company will sponsor a job fair and provide outplacement services, assistance with COBRA benefits, and transition payments to those affected by the reorganization.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 12:36 PM with the headline "Excel lays off 270 from Hesston plant."