Factory fallout: Manufacturing plant closures and layoffs from John Deere, AGC Biologics, Illume Candles, and more
With political winds changing and global markets tightening, manufacturers are making tough decisions—and workers are feeling the impact. In this roundup, we chronicle the closures and cutbacks reverberating throughout the manufacturing sector. As uncertainty becomes the new normal, we examine how businesses and workers alike are navigating a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
According to the Des Moines Register, John Deere, which produces agricultural equipment, announced new layoffs affecting 101 employees at its Waterloo plant effective Oct. 17 and 40 employees at its Ankeny plant effective Oct. 31. The company also confirmed that a previously announced layoff of 71 workers at its Waterloo foundry will take effect Sept. 19, in addition to 167 workers cut last month from Quad City facilities in Illinois. Since April 2024, Deere has reduced its Iowa workforce more than 26 times, eliminating approximately 2,200 jobs. In a recent quote, John May, Chairman and CEO, said, “Throughout this process we remain focused on providing customers the high-quality equipment they depend on, while investing to strengthen the foundations of U.S. manufacturing.”
Learn more
According to Fierce Pharma, AGC Biologics, a manufacturer of biologic drug substances, is seeking buyers for its Boulder and Longmont, Colorado facilities and expects to lay off around 278 workers. The layoffs will begin Nov. 15 and be completed by Dec. 31, primarily affecting employees in engineering, manufacturing, and quality roles. In a recent quote, an AGC Biologics spokesperson said, “This allows us to sharpen our company’s focus on core strengths, while addressing the opportunity of the increased demand for U.S.-based pharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure.”
Learn more
According to the Hillsboro News-Times, Edwards Vacuum LLC, a manufacturer of vacuums and exhaust systems for semiconductor production, will close its Hillsboro production unit and lay off 128 workers. The job cuts will begin Nov. 15 and continue through June 30, 2026, as the company winds down operations at the site. In a recent quote, Edwards Vacuum LLC cited “changing business needs” when announcing the layoffs and said it will continue other operations in Hillsboro despite the production unit closure.
Learn more
According to CCX News, Illume, a maker of scented candles and home fragrances, will close its Maple Grove, Minnesota manufacturing facility and lay off 132 workers. The closure will occur in phases, beginning with layoffs on Dec. 1, with manufacturing set to end by Feb. 1. In a recent quote, Cassandra Sink, vice president of human resources at Illume, said, “This move was necessitated by deteriorating overall business conditions – including reduced demand from our contract-fill customers, coupled with a challenging and uncertain cost environment.”
Learn more
According to the FlaglerLive News, Brunswick Corporation, which produces Boston Whaler boats, will close its Palm Coast, Florida manufacturing plant by next summer, affecting around 300 workers. Operations will be consolidated into the company’s Edgewater facility, with employees offered positions there, though some cuts are expected through attrition. In a recent quote, Lenn Scholz, president of Boston Whaler, said, “It sounds like they seem to have the employees’ well-being at the forefront of their mind.”
Learn more