A Whirlpool spokeswoman said yesterday that the company will lay off 440 workers, or more than 20 percent of the work force, at its Middle Amana plant.
Whirlpool spokeswoman Jill Saletta says the layoffs are the result of sagging market conditions. The company informed workers of its plans on Thursday.
The layoffs are said to comprise more than 20 percent of the more than 2,000 workers at the plant, which was part of Whirlpool’s acquisition of Newton-based Maytag in 2006.
The majority of the cuts will be effective on 20th October, with some coming a week earlier.
“It’s a really tough time,” Saletta said. “I’m fairly confident we’re not the only ones.”
The plant produces bottom-freezer refrigerators sold under Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag and other brand names.
Meanwhile rumours are emerging that Whirlpool also plans to lay off of some 300 staff in its Mexican plant in Ramos Arizpe in a bid to reduce staff.