The Des Moines Register is reporting another round of ag-related layoffs in Iowa. This time its at the Bridgestone-Firestone tire plant where tractor tire production is a primary focus.
The article cites lower than projected demand from equipment manufacturers John Deere and Case IH as one in a handful of contributing factors for the decision.
It is not clear at this time how many employees will be affected.
Bridgestone Americas confirms the layoffs, sharing an official statement, posted in its entirety below, with Farm Journal:
Bridgestone regularly evaluates all aspects of its business to ensure we remain competitive and resources are allocated in a manner that best supports our business strategy. We notified local United Steelworkers (USW) leadership in Des Moines that we have made the difficult decision to reduce positions due to demand constraints in the agriculture tire sector. We aim to minimize the impact on our teammates as much as possible and will continue to communicate directly with our teammates. Bridgestone is confident this move will enable us to operate more cost effectively in strengthening our business model and to deliver on our long-term growth potential.
It has been a rough first half of 2024 for farm equipment factory workers and salaried employees around the Midwest. Equipment sales are faltering as farmers tighten their belts in response to low commodity prices and high operating expenses.
John Deere is in the midst of layoffs and a restructuring of its businss units across its Iowa operations. And Case-IH is rumored to be cutting 25% of its Racine, Wisconsin, workforce, although the brand’s parent company, CNH Industrial, has yet to confirm the rumors. AGCO also announced intentions back in January to shave 10% off its production workforce.
