More jobs are being cut at a plant in northwest Iowa that manufactures hydraulic pumps and motors.
The Eaton Corporation plans to eliminate 70 jobs at its plant in Spencer. Plant Manager Tony Niese says 23 employees will be out of work within 60 days, while the others will be let go over the next year.
“We met with all of our employees and talked about the continued market decline and things that Eaton has seen since 2015 and continue into this year,” Niese said. Just under a year ago, Eaton cut 49 workers at the Spencer facility and forced all employees to take a week off without pay. There are currently 180 workers at the plant.
Those who are losing their jobs will receive a severance package and help finding other work. “They’re eligible to explore opportunities within Eaton at other locations if that’s what they want to do, but we also want to assist anybody wanting to find new (jobs) here in the region as well,” Niese said.
The Ohio-based Eaton Corporation opened the Spencer plant in 1974. At one time, it was the largest employer in Spencer.
(Reporting by Ryan Long, KICD, Spencer)