Caterpillar is planning two separate one-week shutdowns of three East Peoria, IL, plants in February and March, according to a report in the Peoria Journal Star. The shutdowns would halt production while putting more than 1,200 workers on temporary layoff.
The decision follows recent announcements that the company will reduce the contract workforce at its Peoria and Decatur, IL, plants, and a one-week shutdown the first full week of January at its Pontiac plant, the Star said.
Contract workers are not included among the 112,000 employees Caterpillar has worldwide. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Caterpillar made similar work force reductions in North Carolina and Europe earlier this year as part of a plan that also limits travel, external meetings and events.
