Toro announces layoffs

Toro, a manufacturer of lawn care equipment for the consumer and professional markets, has announced it will reduce its salaried and office work force by approximately 100 employees.

In addition, the Bloomington, Minn.-based company will reduce officers’ salaries by 10 percent in fiscal 2009, suspend any scheduled salary increases and furlough workers for four days this year.

These cost-savings measures are being taken in response to a “global recession” that has reduced demand for the company’s products, according to the announcement.

With sales of nearly $1.9 billion in fiscal 2008, Toro manufactures lawn mowers and watering systems under a number of brands that include Lawn Boy and Lawn Genie.