Major Iowa Factory to Lay Off Around 400 Employees

One of the most famous factories in the entire state of Iowa is laying off around 400 employees next month, the second time mass layoffs have occurred at the facility in two years.

KCRG reported that Whirlpool in Amana will be laying off several hundred employees, effective March 9th. Additional job reductions could occur in the spring, but it's too early to confirm, the company added.

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Why Whirlpool is Laying Off Hundreds of Workers:

Whirlpool Corporation released a statement on the layoffs to KCRG:

As the only U.S.-based manufacturer of major kitchen and laundry appliances, Whirlpool Corporation’s facility in Amana, Iowa, is a vital part of the company’s U.S. manufacturing footprint. Today’s announcement is part of a multi-year modernization plan that will transform the plant into a dynamic operation that will continue to produce best-in-class refrigerators, while also incorporating warehousing, parts production and sub-assembly work. This transformation is necessary to position the Amana plant for continued stability and success. We are committed to supporting affected employees through this transition - Whirlpool Corporation's statement, per KCRG

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Last summer, Whirlpool laid off 250 workers. The company compared these layoffs were "completely separate" from those that occurred last year. With the Amana factory in the midst of expansion, some union employees might be called back for a certain amount of years based on tenure and seniority, but even Whirlpool admitted that the likelihood of that happening is "low."

Finally, Whirlpool added that affected employees would receive "onside HR, support, an employee assistance program, and guidance through Iowa Workforce Development's unemployment benefits." Read more about the imminent layoffs at Whirlpool on KCRG's website.