Faced with the continuing business slump, Bob Walker faced one more difficult decision last month: Lay off another handful of workers - people he has often referred to as family - or find something to keep them busy.

Walker lends community a hand

Like most companies, Walker Manufacturing Co. has seen and felt its share of the downturn. The lawnmower manufacturer has laid off 53 workers since last summer as it watched business drop by about 35 percent.


Faced with the continuing business slump, owner Bob Walker faced one more difficult decision last month: Lay off another handful of workers – people he has often referred to as family – or find something to keep them busy.


The Fort Collins manufacturer decided to turn its people loose rather than turning them out.


On any given day, handfuls of Walker employees are out in the community volunteering their time for nonprofits or individuals in need while still collecting their full paychecks from Walker.


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