John Deere Announces Midwest Factory Layoffs

John Deere is cutting jobs at three of its Midwest factories as the farm economy continues to weigh on equipment demand. The company says 115 workers will be laid off at Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, 52 at Seeding and Cylinder in Moline, and 71 at its foundry in Waterloo, Iowa. Deere says the layoffs are tied to decreased demand and lower order volumes, but stressed its commitment to U.S. manufacturing, with plans to invest nearly $20 billion in facility upgrades over the next decade. Impacted employees will receive temporary income and health benefits, and remain eligible for recall based on seniority.