United Group Insurance

Iowa farm equipment maker Kinze lays off 215 workers

Ag/Outdoor

June 25th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

WILLIAMSBURG, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farm equipment maker Kinze Manufacturing says it must lay off 215 workers as business has slowed because of the impact of low grain prices on farmer purchases. The privately held company based in the eastern Iowa near Williamsburg makes planters and grain carts.

The company released a statement that says it had earlier this year implemented a 30-hour work week in an effort to avoid permanent cuts, but current demand for its products does not support full staffing. Office and factory workers are affected. Remaining workers will return to a 40-hour work week.

Deere and Co., another major farm equipment maker laid off 910 workers in its Iowa factories and 500 in Illinois in January.