John Deere, a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery, has announced a workforce reduction at its Des Moines Works facility in Ankeny, Iowa. Approximately 150 production employees at the John Deere Des Moines Works campus were informed on Friday about impending indefinite layoffs scheduled for April and May.
According to a company statement, this decision is a part of John Deere’s ongoing efforts to align production workforce size with the specific operational needs of each factory. “Each John Deere factory balances the size of its production workforce with the needs of the individual factory to optimize the workforce at each facility,” the statement explained.
Image: Exterior view of the John Deere Des Moines Works facility in Ankeny, Iowa, where production adjustments are leading to workforce reductions.
Dustin Lemmon, a spokesperson for John Deere, confirmed the announcement via email but stated that the company would not provide further comments beyond the official statement. Efforts to reach Justin Limke, president of UAW Local 450, the union representing workers at the Ankeny plant, for comment were unsuccessful as of Friday.
The John Deere Des Moines Works, situated at 825 S.W. Irvinedale Drive in Ankeny, is a significant employer in the region, employing around 1,700 individuals. Of these, 1,136 are in production and maintenance roles. The facility specializes in the production of heavy-duty agricultural equipment, including sprayers and cotton pickers, essential machinery for modern farming operations.
Despite the current workforce adjustment, John Deere is investing in the future of the Ankeny plant. A substantial 139,000-square-foot expansion of the sprayer manufacturing facility is anticipated to be completed within the year. Furthermore, plans have been submitted to Ankeny city authorities for the construction of a new 20,000-square-foot laboratory building, indicating ongoing development and commitment to the location.
Image: Close-up of agricultural spray equipment manufactured at the John Deere Des Moines Works, highlighting the specialized production at the Ankeny facility.
This announcement from John Deere Des Moines Works arrives in the context of other significant employment news in Iowa. Recently, Tyson Foods declared the permanent closure of its Perry, Iowa, pork processing plant, a move that will result in approximately 1,300 job losses. The Perry plant, Tyson’s largest employer in the city, is slated to cease operations on June 28. These combined announcements highlight the fluctuating employment landscape within Iowa and the wider agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
While the layoff announcement at John Deere Des Moines Works is undoubtedly concerning for affected employees and the local community, the company’s ongoing investment in facility expansion suggests a long-term commitment to its Ankeny operations. The balance between adapting to current production needs and investing in future growth remains a key aspect of John Deere’s strategy in Des Moines and beyond.
