2 Iowa Plants to Close as John Deere Shifts Production

Iowa's manufacturing industry is changing. On Wednesday, John Deere announced a series of structural changes that will result in the closure of two major facilities and the relocation of production lines, a move that has drawn immediate and fierce condemnation from the United Auto Workers (UAW). As reported by KWQC, the company plans to shutter its Ottumwa and Clarion factories, while simultaneously moving production segments out of its Moline, Illinois, hub.

For the workers who keep these assembly lines moving, the news is a jarring pivot. John Deere justified the closures by citing evolving customer demand and the need to optimize manufacturing capabilities. Yet, for the union representing these employees, the decision is not merely an operational adjustment—it is, in their words, a direct assault on the working class.

The Timeline of Production Shifts

The transition is not immediate, but the path forward is clearly mapped out. Deere has outlined a multi-year schedule that will reshape its footprint across the Midwest:

• Ottumwa, Iowa: Windrower production will shift to Des Moines by the end of fiscal year 2027, followed by the relocation of round baler production by the end of fiscal year 2028. Once these transfers are complete, the Ottumwa factory will close.
• Clarion, Iowa: Operations at the Hagie factory are set to conclude by fiscal year 2029.
• Moline, Illinois: Small planter production will be moved to the company’s facility in Paton, central Iowa.

This restructuring comes against a backdrop of recent corporate performance. In its latest financial disclosure, John Deere reported a net income of $1.3 billion, a $100 million increase compared to the same period last year. For the UAW, this profitability makes the plant closures particularly difficult to reconcile with the company’s stated goals of long-term growth.

Union Vows to Fight Closures in 2027 Negotiations

The union has signaled that it does not intend to let these changes pass without a fight. In a blunt statement released following the announcement, the UAW characterized the closures as a form of "corporate greed" and vowed to use its position in the upcoming 2027 contract negotiations to protect jobs.

“We are done seeing the massive profits our labor generates given away to Wall Street and our jobs being destroyed so some executive can make an extra buck. It’s time for America to come together to save John Deere from its own corporate greed, and fight back in the war on America’s factory workers.”

The union is framing this as a broader struggle, promising to utilize legislative and executive action alongside collective bargaining to keep manufacturing roles within the state.

Deere Defends Closures as Strategic Manufacturing Necessity

From the company’s perspective, the closures are presented as a strategic necessity. Deere has described these moves as a way to “strengthen its U.S. manufacturing operations” and position the business for long-term growth. The company is also currently evaluating “strategic sourcing opportunities” for its Construction and Forestry Division, specifically mentioning the Dubuque Works facility.

The logic provided by the company centers on strengthening competitiveness, increasing flexibility, managing costs, and increasing investment in critical capabilities, including product development, technology, field sales, and customer support. As the 2027 contract talks approach, the dialogue between the UAW and John Deere will likely serve as a barometer for how American manufacturing handles the pressure to modernize while retaining its domestic workforce.