JobsFriday, November 6
John Deere says it will close its Ottumwa and Clarion factories and shift production
The Daily Davenport team
John Deere announced plans to close its Ottumwa and Clarion, Iowa, factories over the next few years. Windrower production leaves Ottumwa for Des Moines Works by the end of fiscal year 2027, with round balers following by the end of fiscal 2028. Deere intends to close the Ottumwa plant after that.
Deere's production moves run through fiscal year 2029
- FY 2027Windrower production to move from Ottumwa Works to Des Moines Works by year's end
- FY 2027Small planter production will move from Moline, Illinois, to Paton, Iowa
- FY 2028Round baler production planned to follow to Des Moines Works by year's end
- FY 2028Hagie STS sprayer production begins moving to Thibodaux, Louisiana
- FY 2029Deere intends to end operations at its Clarion factory
- FY 2029Sugar cane harvester production to move from Thibodaux to Catalão, Brazil
Sources: The Gazette, WGLR
Deere didn't say how many jobs are affected. Its Construction and Forestry Division, which includes Dubuque Works, is also evaluating strategic sourcing opportunities.
- Windrowers, round balers: Ottumwa to Des Moines Works
- Hagie STS sprayers: Clarion to Thibodaux, Louisiana
- Small planters: Moline to Paton, Iowa, in fiscal 2027
- Sugar cane harvesters: Thibodaux to Catalão, Brazil, in fiscal 2029
The city of Ottumwa called the news disappointing and thanked Deere for its investment there.
The UAW said it is "disgusted" and pointed to next year's contract talks:
“The UAW will use every tool at our disposal, from our contract negotiations in 2027, to legislative and executive action, to keep good jobs in Iowa and stop the one-sided class war waged by John Deere.”
$1.3 billionDeere's most recent profit
That's up $100 million from a year ago, according to KWQC.
Source: KWQC
Sources: Ottumwa Post, The Gazette, WGLR, KWQC