Minnesota Legislators: Rawlings should “reconsider” closing Caledonia operation, moving jobs to China

CALEDONIA, Minn. — Two local Minnesota state Legislators issued a statement of disapproval Monday about what they say is a decision by Rawlings Sporting Goods to close its plant in Caledonia.

State Sen. Jeremy Miller of Winona and Preston state Rep. Greg Davids said the Rawlings plant, a parent company of Miken Sports, will be sending “hundreds of jobs overseas” … “to China.”

The Republican state Legislators added in their statement they would offer their assistance “in helping make the partnership sustainable for both Rawlings and Caledonia for many more years to come — including helping facilitate meetings with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).”

Davids and Miller added that 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.”