JanSport, Inc., a division of VF Corporation, has decided to relocate the JanSport Equipment business to new offices in San Leandro, CA, where VF's The North Face division is also headquartered. JanSport's Custom Apparel business, which provides licensed products to College Bookstores and sporting goods stores, will remain in Appleton. The transition is expected to take place during the first and second quarters of 2005.
Explaining the move, Mike Egeck, President of VF Outdoor Inc. – Americas said, “With the explosive growth we've seen in our Outdoor Coalition, we have recognized the need for our different businesses to work more closely together in order to better share our great capabilities and skills.”
While some employees will be offered the opportunity to relocate to California, the company expects to consolidate several areas that will affect other JanSport employees. The company expects that approximately 15 positions will be relocated while approximately another 40 positions will be eliminated. The company has a strong track record of employment at its JanSport facility, having added approximately 65 positions since 2000. Those employees affected by the relocation will be offered severance and outplacement to assist in their career change.
Mike Cisler, who has provided superb leadership to JanSport for many years, has decided not to relocate for personal reasons. “We are tremendously grateful for his 28 years of outstanding service to JanSport and to VF. We wish Mike and his family all the best,” said Egeck.
The company has begun a search for Mike's replacement, which is expected to be announced shortly.
