DuPont lays off undisclosed number of Iowa workers

DuPont Pioneer has laid off an undisclosed number of workers in Johnston, company officials confirmed Tuesday.

DuPont spokesman Gregg Schmidt said the company cut jobs to "integrate our operations and establish a streamlined, efficient, built-for-purpose organization." DuPont and Dow Chemical closed their $150 billion merger in the fall, with plans of creating several smaller companies, including a new standalone ag company. 

"Through this integration and with greater focus, we will capture the synergies we have previously communicated over the next few years," Schmidt told the Register. "While there will be near-term site consolidation and job impacts as we address duplicative sites and facilities and relocate certain capabilities, we will also expand facilities and add jobs aligned with the division’s business strategy."

Schmidt would not disclose how many jobs were affected by recent layoffs. And the company has not reported layoffs to Iowa Workforce Development, an agency spokesman told the Register.

But, Schmidt said, the company remains committed to its three locations in Delaware, Indiana and Iowa.

“We expect to have a major, vibrant presence and equal or higher level of employment in Johnston over time as we build a global agriculture leader," he said.

Though Iowa lost its bid to headquarter the company's new ag firm here, state leaders awarded $17 million in incentives in 2016 to keep roughly 2,600 jobs at DuPont Pioneer in Johnston.

Gov. Kim Reynolds held her weekly news conference at Pioneer's Carver Innovation Center on Tuesday. She didn't comment specifically on the layoffs but said she remained bullish on the company's future in Iowa.

"We are so proud to have them in the state. They’ve been a true partner. We appreciate the great corporate partner they are and what they’ve done to help grow the economy," she said. "These are great jobs. And we’re going to continue that partnership and look for opportunities where we can expand and grow."