Whirlpool Amana in eastern Iowa will lay off 288 employees as it ends its second-shift production on July 5. In a statement, Whirlpool said the decision is part of a multi-year modernization plan.

Modernization Plan

According to Whirlpool spokesperson Chad Parks, the plan aims to redesign and update the Amana plant to make it competitive in the current economic landscape. The company will also incorporate technology improvements and build out warehousing, parts production, and sub-assembly operations at the facility.

Nearly 400 workers were also cut in March as part of the same plan. Whirlpool said it does not anticipate more layoffs, but there will be some down days in June and July. The company will support affected employees through access to on-site HR support, an employee assistance program, and guidance on unemployment benefits.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.