Deere & Company informed approximately 125 employees at two factories in Iowa that they will be placed on indefinite layoff. The workforce adjustment affects approximately 75 employees at Deere’s construction and forestry division factory in Dubuque and approximately 50 employees at the agriculture and turf division factory in Ankeny.

The layoff at the Ankeny location, which is part of the agriculture and turf division, is effective April 15. The Dubuque facility is included in the company’s construction and forestry division and the layoff there is effective April 29.

Deere warned last month that it expected its construction and forestry equipment sales to fall 11 percent this year, given a weaker North American energy industry. Sales of tractors, combines and other farm equipment is forecast to drop as much as 20 percent in the U.S. and Canada this fiscal year.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com

Deere said the company continues to balance the size of its manufacturing workforce with market demand for products at individual factories.

Source: Deere; Des Moines Register