Here’s the story:
Plant managers said they’ve added 480 employees this year in Waterloo, where the company produces its large tractors. But they want to hire another 120 right now. And, come November, they project demand will necessitate 200 more hires if they can find enough able bodies.
In Dubuque, where the company produces forestry and construction equipment, Deere has hired about 50 workers this year. Plant managers said they’re looking for 50 more.
“We haven’t seen as much interest as we have in the past,” said Mark Onderick, the company’s labor relations manager at the Dubuque plant. “In the past, it felt like we got just flooded.”