OTTUMWA — The city of Ottumwa released a statement regarding John Deere’s plans to close the Ottumwa Works plant:

“It is disappointing to hear the news of John Deere making a transition that will close the Ottumwa Works plant. John Deere has been part of Ottumwa and a piece of our identity for a long time. We want to thank John Deere for the investment they have made in Ottumwa for so long. We appreciate all that they have done for our community and for the commitment they are making in helping Ottumwa through this transition and in locating a future company to Ottumwa.

“Seeing that part of Ottumwa go is not something anyone in Ottumwa wants. The impact of this loss creates a challenge for Ottumwa. We look to losing approximately 400 jobs. There is about $100,000 in economic initiatives that John Deere has given each year and the amount of payroll loss is above $30,000,000.

“We want to thank the John Deere Foundation, who has affirmed their commitment of nearly $1,000,000 to support both Ottumwa and Clarion over the next three years. ‘The Foundation also plans to continue providing financial assistance to both communities over the next decade.’

“It is difficult to see this piece of Ottumwa leave. We continue building on the opportunities we have that bring new technology, new industry, and new growth to Ottumwa and Wapello County. The City of Ottumwa has been working with the University of Iowa to study the impact and recovery needed when losing a large employer like John Deere. That study will be invaluable through this transition. We strive to bring growth to our employers that continue to invest in Ottumwa, like JBS, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, and Indian Hills Community College. We have already begun the work necessary to lessen this impact simply by working diligently toward economic and industry growth in Ottumwa.

“Through this transition it is most important that we remember that our best resource is our people. Ottumwa is resilient and we will care for the families of Ottumwa that are impacted. As the City of Ottumwa, we are here to help connect those families to resources in our community, like Iowa Workforce, IHCC, Small Business Development Centers, and, of course, the new growth we are diligently working on bringing to Ottumwa. Ottumwa will see this through, we are working towards new future growth, and we are excited for the new opportunities that are coming.”