John Deere Welland Plant Closes

Deere & Co.,the world's largest maker of farm machinery, is blaming the strong loonie for the decision to close its factory in Welland, Ont., costing the Ontario economy 800 manufacturing jobs.

The factory makes utility vehicles and attachments for commercial and consumer equipment and for agricultural uses.

Production at the plant will be moved outside Canada by the end of 2009, with the first jobs being cut at the end of February, the company said Tuesday.

The Canadian Auto Workers union, which represents the workers, said it planned to fight with all its might to keep the plant open.

A loss of 800 jobs to foreign countries. I hope this not a sign of things to come.