Komatsu plans layoffs at Illinois plant

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Japanese construction-equipment maker plans to start laying off workers at its plant in Peoria.

A statement from the company didn't specify how many of the 575 employees would lose their jobs or exactly when.

The Journal Star newspaper in Peoria (http://bit.ly/Xiz1hj ) reports that the company plans to spread the layoffs out over several weeks.

The company says the Peoria plant primarily makes equipment for mining. Komatsu says a slowdown in the mining industry has led it to make cuts.

Peoria-based Caterpillar last year said it was slowing production because of the drop-off in mining.

Both companies have said they expect sales to pick up later this year.

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Information from: Journal Star, http://pjstar.com