DES MOINES, Iowa — Bridgestone is laying off more than 100 employees from its Des Moines plant, citing "demand constraints in the agricultural tire sector."
In a statement to Local 5, a spokesperson for Bridgestone said in part, "We aim to minimize the impact on our teammates as much as possible and will continue to communicate directly with our teammates. Bridgestone is confident this move will enable us to operate more cost effectively in strengthening our business model and to deliver on our long-term growth potential."
The spokesperson also noted Bridgestone has notified local United Steelworkers (USW) leadership about the layoffs.
Keenan Bell, a representative for USW Local 310, told Local 5 the union has counted at least 118 workers who will be affected by layoffs. Each of the affected employees has been with the company for less than two years, according to Bell.
"This is gonna touch everybody in the factory, there's no doubt about it," Bell said.
The last day for laid off employees will be Friday, July 5, Bell told Local 5. After that, Bell says Bridgestone plans to shift remaining employees to different jobs to fill any gaps.
On top of the layoffs, Bell shared Bridgestone also plans to close the plant for 29 days this year, meaning remaining Bridgestone employees will have fewer opportunities to work.
"He's frustrated, I'm frustrated, there isn't anybody that works in this union hall that isn't frustrated right now, it's tough," Bell said.
Bridgestone has not confirmed with Local 5 when the layoffs will take effect or how many employees are impacted by the layoffs.
As of Thursday afternoon, the layoffs have not been announced via Iowa's Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) website.
The Bridgestone plant in Des Moines has been open since 1945 according to the company's website.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.