Electrolux closing Iowa plants, 850 jobs lost

Electrolux Major Appliances North America announced Friday that it will close plants in Webster City and Jefferson, eliminating 850 jobs.

The Webster City plant, which employs 800 and makes top-loading washing machines, will close in the first quarter of 2011. The Jefferson plant, which employs 50 to make parts for washing machines, will close by late 2010.

Electrolux cited declining demand for washers and dryers, saying it will shift all of its manufacturing operations to Juarez, Mexico.

Electrolux said it will retain 75 employees of its technology center in Webster City after it closes the manufacturing plants.

“This was a difficult but necessary decision,” said Frank Wagner, vice president of operations for Electrolux Major Appliances North America. “Electrolux is aware of the impact this decision will have on our employees and their communities. The company will be taking steps to assist employees with this difficult transition and will work with local and state officials to ensure that all training resources are made available to our employees.”