Powermate files for bankruptcy

Aurora, Ill.-based Powermate has filed for bankruptcy protection in the district of Delaware and will be closing its Kearney, Neb., plant.

The plant manufactures portable generators, air compressors and pressure washers and employs approximately 200 employees and has been in operation since 1986.

Officials at the company, which has been doing business as Coleman Powermate for many years, were not available for comment.

The following message greeted callers to the company’s 800 number: "You have reached us during normal business hours. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we do not have a rep available to answer the telephone."

John Krebs, president of the Buffalo County Economic Development Council told a local newspaper in Karney: "The Chapter 11 filing by the board of directors of Powermate ... and the pending closure of the Powermate plant here in Kearney is indeed sad news."