OEMs

John Deere blames weak demand for layoffs: Report

Written by Ethan Bernard

October 22, 2024

Heavy equipment manufacturer John Deere blamed soft demand and reduced orders for a spate of layoffs in Iowa this year, according to a local report.

A survey of Iowa WARN Notices shows that, most recently, 80 workers at John Deere Davenport Works in the state are set to be laid off on Jan. 3, 2025.

Going back to August, WARN notices show:

  • As of Sept. 20, 345 were laid off at John Deere Waterloo Works.
  • On Aug. 30, 211 workers were laid off at Davenport Works.
  • Also on Aug. 30, 99 workers were laid off at John Deere Dubuque Works.

“It is important to note these layoffs are due to reduced demand for the products produced at these facilities,” the company said in a statement in an article from KWQC TV on Oct. 16. “They are not related to production moves.” (Emphasis theirs)

The manufacturer cited a sluggish farm economy and a reduction in customer orders for equipment as reasons for layoffs this fiscal year, according to the article.

As previously reported, the Moline, Ill.-based company has announced layoffs in the Midwest, as well as the moving of production of skid steer and compact track loaders from Iowa to Mexico by the end of 2026, according to a report in Fox Business News.

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

Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York office for two years starting in 2008. Later, he copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine on a freelance basis from 2015 until 2017. With experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing, he holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and an MFA. in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.

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