In an effort to streamline its golf turf operations, Textron is integrating Jacobsen into its Augusta, Georgia-based specialized vehicles division. As part of that transition, the mower manufacturer will move next year from its current base in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Augusta, where it will be closer to sister company E-Z-GO.
During the migration, Jacobsen will move into a repurposed Procter and Gamble facility located on 240 acres about a mile from the E-Z-GO campus. The 80,000-square-foot facility allows Jacobsen to plan the space in the most efficient way possible.
The move, which is planned for next year, will be done in phases. Fabrication will make the move first. Parts and service will move last. During that time, Jacobsen branch locations will be on standby for any parts that are needed during the move, ensuring the process is a seamless one for customers and demonstrating Textron's commitment to the Jacobsen brand.
Besides combining Textrons specialized vehicle division into a single location, other advantages include collaboration between E-Z-GO, Cushman and Jacobsen brands.
To that end, the new plant will allow Jacobsen to simplify its manufacturing process, going from nine assembly lines in Charlotte to three flexible lines in Augusta that will be able to adjust quickly adjust to accommodate different product lines.
Jacobsen has been operating in Charlotte since 2001, when the company moved from its former home in Racine, Wisconsin.