BUSINESS JOURNAL

Titan Machinery to close 8 stores; S.D. sites not on list

Staff and wire reports

Equipment at Titan Machinery in Sioux Falls.

WEST FARGO, N.D. — Titan Machinery said it is closing eight construction stores across the country; its six sites in South Dakota are not on the list.

The company, based in West Fargo, cited a slow recovery in the construction sector among the reasons for the move, which will leave 128 people unemployed.

The stores being closed are in Clear Lake and Oskaloosa, Iowa; Rosemount, Minn.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Helena, Bozeman, and Big Sky, Mont.; and Flagstaff, Ariz. All locations will cease operations by the end of April.

Titan has stores in South Dakota in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Pierre and Rapid City.

The company sells and rents agriculture and construction equipment. CEO David Meyer said the decision will help the company improve its pre-tax profits.

The company said affected employees will receive benefits and severance package and the option to apply for jobs at nearby stores. Titan Machinery will continue to operate 96 stores in the U.S.