OEMs

John Deere plans over 140 layoffs at two Iowa facilities 

Written by Kristen DiLandro


Over 140 John Deere employees at two of its Iowa facilities will be laid off in October.  

Oct. 17 will be the last day for 101 employees at the company’s Waterloo, Iowa, facility. Forty-one employees will be laid off at their Des Moines, Iowa, facility on Oct. 31. The employees received notifications on Sept. 17.

The Moline, Ill.-based heavy machinery manufacturer said demand for its products is down.  

“Production schedules at each John Deere factory vary to align with seasonal farming needs. When fewer orders come in, each factory adjusts accordingly,” according to a statement John Deere emailed to Farm Journal.  

According to a report by the Des Moines Register, layoffs will occur at John Deere’s Tractor Operations, Drive Train Operations, Drive Train West, and Engine Works departments in Waterloo.  

During the company’s earnings call in August, it cautioned that the $600-million burden of tariff expenses stood to threaten its operating profits.

In the same call, John Deere noted softer demand and reported year-over-year decreases in net income and sales. The company’s presentation showed weakening demand among many key industries including forestry, construction, and agriculture.

John Deere did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication.  

Kristen DiLandro

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