John Deere Announces Massive Layoffs at Three Midwest Plants

John Deere is laying off hundreds of workers at three of its Midwest plants due to “market conditions,” the company recently announced.

A total of 310 production workers at two Iowa plants — John Deere Davenport Works and John Deere Dubuque Works — will be laid off, as will 280 workers at John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois.

Affected employees have been informed and can remain in the factories until August 30, the company said.

“These changes are being made due to declining demand for products manufactured at these facilities,” a John Deere spokesperson said in a statement provided to Scripps News. “As noted during our second quarter earnings call, segment sales are expected to decline further in the second half of fiscal 2024.”

The agricultural machinery company said it would continue to take measures to reduce production and inventories “in order to meet future demand.”

According to John Deere, the laid-off workers will receive additional benefits and seniority for other positions at the plants.

John Deere is one of the most recognized brands in the United States. Founded in 1837, it is headquartered in Moline, Illinois. According to its website, the company employs more than 82,000 people and has net sales of more than $61 billion.