CNH, which makes Case IH agricultural equipment, is cutting 175 jobs at its plant in the central Minnesota city of Benson.
Case IH may be the largest employer in Benson, a city of about 3,500 about 2.5 hours west of Minneapolis, interim City Manager Rob Wolfington said.
The plant at 260 U.S.12 is not set to close, and no additional layoff dates are scheduled at this time, the company reported to the state on Thursday in a federally mandated WARN notice of mass layoff events.
The layoffs will take place on April 11, the notice said, noting the employees are not represented by a union.
The company did not return requests for comment. A press release in 2017 said the plant dates to 1958, houses an R&D center and employs more than 300 workers.
“Obviously, we’re concerned,” Wolfington said. “But, we’re also optimistic that the economy will return and the plant will continue to thrive.”
The plant draws workers from around the region, Wolfington said, estimating that about half of its employees lives in the town.
Wolfington said Friday marked the first time he heard the company was planning layoffs.
