Jan. 08--Peoria-based Caterpillar said Wednesday it is laying off 200 workers at both its Decatur and East Peoria facilities beginning Jan. 19.
"Products built in these locations are used in the mining industry, which continues to witness weak market conditions," the company said in a statement.
The company has already laid off hundreds of workers at factories where mining equipment is produced. Caterpillar has said a decline in commodity prices has led mining companies to halt expansions as well as the building of new mines, leading to declining in demand for equipment.
"While some cost reduction measures have already been implemented, including temporary shutdowns and reductions in the flexible workforce, more permanent measures must be taken in the near term," the statement read.
Caterpillar said it is also laying off 40 employees at both facilities that are employed through staffing agencies.
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