IOLA, Kan. — We now have some firmer numbers on the impending layoffs at Gates’ Iola Plant. Thrive Allen County Economic Development Director Camille Lavon told Allen County Commissioners Tuesday 80 people will be affected as the company closes one of three manufacturing lines at their plant on Montana Road. Gates last Thursday sent a WARN notice to the Kansas Department of Commerce regarding the layoffs.
Seventy employees will be let go on Dec. 1, 2025. The remainder will be let go on Jan. 1, 2026. Initial reports last week had placed the number of layoffs at over 100, but Lavon has confirmed the 80 number which had also been reported at the time was the correct figure.
Gates will be cooperating in hosting a job fair for the affected employees in the next four weeks or so, and there are local employers who are looking for help. Lavon noted there are many local industries that are looking for additional employees, and the experience the Gates workers have would be very useful.
Russell Stover is looking to hire 30 people, and Monarch Cement in Humboldt is also seeking employees. Lavon noted it is entirely possible there could be jobs locally that could accommodate nearly of the employees impacted.
KANSASWORKS is bringing in their Rapid Response Team to provide information and assistance for impacted employees, and that response is already underway.
The reason the line is being shut down is still not known locally.
