IBP Inc., the nation's largest meat packer, said it will slash operations at two Iowa pork processing plants, putting 1050 people out of work.
IBP plans to shift more production to the South, where hog supplies are greater. The company, based in Dakota City, NE, "indefinitely" discontinued all second-shift production at its Columbus Junction plant effective last week.
About 400 of the 1500 people employed at the plant are affected, said Richard Bond, president of the company's fresh meats business. The plant will retain first-shift operations, as well as most of its support staff.
The company also gave notice that all production and most processing operations at its Council Bluffs facility will end April 24. The cutback affects approximately 650 of the plant's 1200 employees.
IBP's new Council Bluffs ham plant, which processes hams for other companies, will continue operating.
All displaced workers will be given the opportunity to interview for jobs at other IBP plants. The company had 30,700 employees at the end of last year.
The number of hogs available for marketing this year in Iowa and neighboring states is expected to be 6 million less than three years ago -- an 11% decline.
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