CALEDONIA, Minn. – Two state legislators whose districts include Caledonia called on the equity-fund owners of the Caledonia softball bat factory to reconsider shutting down the plant and not move production to China. Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, and Representative Greg Davids, R-Preston, issued the call in a news release. The news release reflected their frustration in trying to reach whoever is in charge at the California-based equity firm. There are even questions about the facts. Folks around Caledonia believe with certainty that a shutdown is imminent but are hazy on details. Miller and Davids too. China? That’s part of the town grapevine. Miller and Davids’ own haziness shows in how they started their news release: “It has been brought to our attention that Rawlings Sporting Goods, the parent company of Miken Sports, is planning to close its Caledonia plant and move hundreds of jobs overseas.” Rawlings, however, and also Miken, have ceased as independent entities since a quiet and seemingly seamless acquisition in 2018 by Seidler Equity Partners for $325 million. How many jobs are at risk? Miller and Davids refer to “hundreds,” but in Caledonia, population 2,700, the Miken plant has 85 employees. The larger company, with operations at scattered places nationwide, has 1,200 employees.

County seat. For Houston County, which has 28,000 population total, including LaCrescent, Rushford asnd Houston. Home for market-leading Miken composite-fiber softball bats.

Verbatim: Caledonia needs you

Extracted from the Miller-David news release: “Miken has been an important part of the Caledonia area for over 20 years and we are extremely disappointed by the decision to move these operations from small town America to China. We strongly encourage Rawlings to keep the plant open at full capacity and we offer our assistance in helping make the partnership sustainable for both Rawlings and Caledonia for many more years to come — including helping facilitate meetings with the state Department of Employment and Economic Development.”

Verbatim: Think of your reputation

Extracted from the Miller-David news release: “Baseball has long been considered America’s pastime, and we in southeastern Minnesota are proud of Miken’s relationship with Major League Baseball. It would be especially troubling for Major League Baseball to be involved in moving these manufacturing operations overseas when these jobs include producing helmets for Major League Baseball. We sincerely hope they reconsider and keep these jobs here in Caledonia, Minnesota.”