Siemens announced Monday that it will close its manufacturing plant in Burlington, Iowa. The closure will take place in phases over the next year and will leave approximately 125 people out of work.
The affected employees work for Siemens’ Power and Gas, Power Generation Services, Dresser-Rand, and in corporate operations.
The company said in a statement that the move is part of a global plan to “...enable Siemens to meet the competitive pressures in the energy market by reducing costs while better serving our customers.
“As we move forward in this process, it is our highest priority to assist employees in this transition. Siemens will help to identify opportunities at other companies in the area and provide the highest level of support to those affected by offering severance packages and career counseling services.”
A spokesperson for the company said about 1,800 workers in North America will be impacted by the cost-cutting measures and workforce adjustments.
Siemens acquired the steam turbine manufacturing plant from Dresser Rand in 2014 as part of a nearly $8 billion global acquisition.
Jason Hutcheson, CEO of the Greater Burlington Partnership, said the announcement is a hit to the community.
“Naturally, we are very saddened and our hearts go out to the affected families,” said Hutcheson in a statement to Tri States Public Radio. “Siemens (Dresser-Rand) has been a quality employer with good wages and excellent benefits. Everything possible will be done to help employees transition to future employment.”
Hutcheson said the partnership did not receive any advance notice that the announcement was coming.
