John Deere Brings 375 Workers Back to Quad Cities Plants

John Deere announced Thursday that it will bring back 375 laid-off workers to its Quad Cities manufacturing operations, a significant boost for the regional economy and a sign of renewed strength in American manufacturing.

The returning employees will be split between two facilities: 150 workers will head back to the Seeding and Cylinder Operations in Moline, Illinois, while approximately 225 will return to Harvester Works in East Moline. The company says the additional workforce will help build dealer inventory ahead of the upcoming planting and harvest cycles, support long-term operational planning, and position the company to serve customers through all operating environments, including future labor negotiations.

This announcement comes on the heels of a difficult year for the agricultural equipment giant. In 2025, John Deere laid off 238 workers across three sites in East Moline, Moline, and Waterloo, Iowa. The news also arrives just weeks after the United Auto Workers union rejected a proposed contract extension from the company.

What does this mean for Iowa workers?

While the immediate returns are concentrated in Illinois, the ripple effects will be felt across the Mississippi River in Iowa's Quad Cities communities of Davenport and Bettendorf. The John Deere plants are a major employer for both states, alongside the massive tractor works in Waterloo.

Since January, John Deere has now welcomed back 800 employees across Iowa and Illinois. For Iowa workers and their families, this represents a meaningful step toward stability in a region where agricultural manufacturing is the backbone of the local economy.

Company cites commitment to customers and workforce

Dustin Lemmon, spokesperson for John Deere, emphasized the company's forward-looking approach in a statement.

Planning ahead is part of our commitment to customers and our manufacturing workforce. We're pleased to welcome experienced team members back to our Quad Cities operations. Their skills and craftsmanship directly support the quality equipment our farmers and contractors depend on. Our focus remains on serving customers while continuing to work constructively with our workforce and union partners.

The seasonal nature of agricultural work has long been a factor in John Deere's hiring patterns. The company has historically used seasonal layoffs and rehires to match production with farming cycles, a practice that the UAW has frequently contended with. Agriculture is a seasonal business, and John Deere remains primarily an agricultural equipment company at its core.

Manufacturing rebound signals economic strength

The return of these workers is more than just good news for the employees and their families. It is a positive indicator for the broader manufacturing sector, which has shown resilience under the current administration's pro-business policies.

Manufacturing jobs pay well and provide stable careers for American workers. A strong manufacturing base is essential for a solid economy, and these returning workers are part of that foundation. The Quad Cities metro area, which straddles the Mississippi River, stands to benefit from increased economic activity as these employees return to work.

Political implications for November

There is also a political dimension to this announcement. As the saying goes, in any election, it's the economy. With manufacturing jobs up and payrolls growing, the news could work in favor of Republicans in the upcoming November elections.

More jobs are always better, and manufacturing jobs are among the best. A stable, solid economy is only truly possible in a country that builds things, and these returning workers are doing exactly that.

For Iowa and Illinois Republicans, this news provides a talking point that resonates with voters concerned about economic security and American manufacturing. The contrast between this recovery and the economic challenges of recent years is stark, and it is a message that is likely to be heard on the campaign trail.

What's next for John Deere and its workers?

The company remains in negotiations with the UAW over contract terms, and the rejected extension suggests there is still work to be done. However, the decision to bring back workers now indicates that John Deere is confident in its production needs and committed to maintaining its workforce through the upcoming season.

For the 375 workers receiving the call to return, it is a welcome development. For the Quad Cities economy, it is a sign of stability. And for American manufacturing, it is another data point showing that the sector is on the mend.

The company's focus remains on serving its customers, supporting its workforce, and building the equipment that farmers and contractors depend on. With planting season approaching, the timing could not be better.