Midwest Specialized Transportation to close Rochester location, lay off 58 employees in merger

Midwest Specialized Transportation, Inc., is planning to close its Rochester location and lay off 58 employees in a merger with Anderson Trucking Service (ATS).

According to a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development notice, the business closure and layoffs will begin Aug. 1. Employees will have the chance to apply for open positions at other ATS locations, the notice states.

ATS Chief Operating Officer Mike Lakmann described the merger as being “a strategic decision due to changes in the marketplace and shipper demands.”

Midwest Specialized Transportation started its operations in 1967, offering transportation for silos and storage structures, according to the company. Over the years, it added heavy haul, step-deck and dry van services. Original owners Al and Anne Koenig reportedly sold the business to St. Cloud-based Anderson Family Companies in 2007.

The merger with ATS is expected to be complete in August.