According to a report from Wichita Business Journal, AGCO has slowed operations at its facility in Hesston, Kan., due to "rising natural gas prices in the area." It was reported that the plant currently employs around 1,000 workers.
A separate report from Harvey County Now reported AGCO announced the shutdown in relation to a potential $2.1 million gas bill. "Something has to be done about the price gouging and what’s going on with (natural) gas prices. It’s going to affect all of us,” said union president Glen Davis, noting that floor employees will be missing out on average of $200 per day.
When asked about the shutdown, a spokesperson for AGCO gave the following comment:
"Like many businesses and residents in the Kansas area, AGCO’s Hesston plant is experiencing fuel and heating costs that have skyrocketed in recent weeks. As a responsible member of the community, our local teams are working to minimize its impact on natural gas consumption in the local area. These efforts include temporary reductions in operations that will continue until conditions are again at levels that allow our facility to run safely, effectively and at an acceptable cost."