DES MOINES, Iowa -- At least 118 workers are being laid off from the Bridgestone tire plant on Northwest 2nd Avenue in Des Moines. Bridgestone Americas confirmed the layoffs on Thursday morning to our newsroom.
"First layoff in 30-plus years to this type," says United Steelworkers (USW) Local 310 President, Keenan Bell. "Couple of years ago, we started hiring frequently. Thirty, 40 people at a time, the best we could to try satisfy the demand for the tires. Here we are a couple of years later, going the exact opposite direction. So, it's unnerving."
Bell says those who had been with the company for less than two years are being let go. Once the first round of layoffs end, voluntary layoffs will be offered throughout different departments.
"They look at forecasts for not only John Deere, but CNH," Bell says. "And all other markets that we participate with. They had probably 8-10 different examples of plants that have laid off. It does kind of show the market, as far as industry slowing down a little bit, and having to adjust."
Bridgestone Americas released this state on its Des Moines plant:
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.
The plant in Des Moines makes tires for agricultural equipment.
John Deere recently announced more layoffs, with more than 600 people losing their jobs with the agriculture equipment manufacturer.