Concrete railroad tie maker Rail One confirms they laid of 15 employees and ended employment for 21 temporary workers at their facility in Clinton, Iowa.
Lower demand for their products was blamed for the layoffs at the facility at 4275 South 59th Street.
"The company's priorities in this crisis are respect for employees, as well as the long-term health of the company," said a statement from plant manager Bob Bogner. "Details concerning specific ongoing staffing adjustments are being finalized and will be shared with employees as soon as possible."
"The company will continue to closely monitor customer demand, as Rail One is committed to the long term success of its sole U.S. Operations plant as well as being the employer of choice in the Clinton area long term," Bogner said.
The $22-million Clinton facility opened in April 2014, and the company had plans then to employ about 65 people at that plant. It was originally unclear how many employees might remain at the Clinton location, but Mr. Bogner later offered clarification.
"At this time, there are no more planned layoffs and after the actions of today we have 63 full time employees," Bogner said.
The layoffs and terminations were effective October 1, 2015.
The changes at the Clinton facility follow several announcements from the Germany-based company of reorganization they began in the summer of 2015. Clinton is the only U.S. location for Rail One.