One of Cedar Rapids’ Largest Employers Announces Layoffs

A company with its headquarters in Cedar Rapids announced layoffs earlier this week, effective immediately.

United Fire Group announced on Tuesday, October 24 on the Iowa Workforce Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) page that it was laying off a total of 40 workers. In 2022, United Fire Group was the 10th largest employer in Linn County with approximately 1,200 employees.

Most of the Laid Off Workers Are Iowans

According to the Corridor Business Journal (CBJ), 28 of the 40 workers impacted are in the state of Iowa. They also say United Fire Group (UFG) now has a total of 1,002 employees, across six states.

UFG associate vice president and marketing and communications manager Casey Prince told CBJ, "We regret the hardship this decision has on our former team members and thank those impacted for their valuable contributions during their time with the company. UFG is fully committed to supporting these employees through this transition, including pay with benefits through the end of the year."

UFG Started in Cedar Rapids

United Fire Group was founded as United Casualty Company in Cedar Rapids on January 2, 1946, by Scott McIntyre Sr. It became United Fire & Casualty Company in 1950 and by 1964 had moved its corporate headquarters to its current location along 2nd Ave. SE in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Another Iowa Layoff Announced

On Thursday, October 26, the Independent Can Company posted they will lay off 33 people on February 1, 2024. Founded in 1929, the company calls itself the "world leader in manufacturing specialty metal packaging."

Independent Can Company has six locations in the U.S. They are in Maryland, Ohio, Arizona, and Iowa. The Iowa facility, in Fort Madison, is pictured below.

It is not known how many of the Independent Can Company layoffs will impact the Iowa manufacturing facility.