An iconic American manufacturer is laying off hundreds and shifting some of its operations south of the border.
“Tractor giant John Deere faced backlash after announced it was laying off hundreds of workers across the Midwest — even as it continues to operate a manufacturing hub in Mexico.
The Illinois-based company, which is the world’s largest seller of large tractors and other farm equipment, informed hundreds of employees in Iowa last week that they were out of a job.
Around 100 people will come from the plant in Dubuque, according to Hoosier Ag Today.
Earlier this month, John Deere said it would be cutting 600 jobs at three facilities in Illinois and Iowa.
‘As the largest global manufacturer of agricultural equipment, John Deere, like many others, faces significant economic challenges, rising operational and manufacturing costs, and reduced customer demand, including a 20 percent decline in sales from 2023 to 2024,’ the company said in a statement.
Reaction on social media was scathing.
‘I can’t believe that an American legacy company like @JohnDeere is firing Americans to take those jobs to Mexico. It’s wrong. Just for that, they should be put out of business,’ commented one X user.
Another X user wrote: ‘John Deere should drop the pretense of being an American company and of espousing American values. They aren’t and they don’t.’
The Post has sought comment from John Deere.
Last month, the company announced it would shift the manufacturing of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders from the Dubuque plant to Mexico by the end of 2026.”
For the rest of the story, visit the New York post here.