John Deere Co. lays off more workers

For the second time in 2009, John Deere Co. announced 325 employees will be placed on indefinite layoff later this month. The cuts affect two of the company's plants specializing in construction and foresty machinery.

220 workers will lose their jobs at the Dubuque Works plant, as well as 105 workers at Davenport Works.

The last cuts were announced on January 20. February 16 was the last day of work for the group of 190 workers let go in that round of cuts. At first, Deere Co. said some of those jobs would be transferred to the East Moline plant. The company later said the entire group of 200 workers would be let go.

The plant manufactures articulated dump trucks , four wheel drive loaders, motor graders, log skidders and cabs.

In November, 2008, Deere and Company had projected a 12% loss in construction and forestry for 2009. Deere posted a 45% profit loss in the first quarter of 2009, the first time in several quarters the heavy-equipment manufacturer hasn't had record gains.