#manufacturing

Manufacturing in Massachusetts will end by 1st quarter in 2027. All manufacturing will be moved to low-cost countries where labor costs are much less.

Employees will not be offered relocation or positions in the replacement facility.

Numerous companies across freight, distribution, and manufacturing are implementing significant workforce reductions. Over 7,000 jobs are affected by these recent announcements. Tyson Foods leads these cuts with over 3,000 positions eliminated due to facility closures and operational shifts. Wholesale distributor Essendant also warned of over 1,200 employee impacts as it seeks capital or a buyer. These layoffs are part of a larger trend of restructuring within transportation and production networks.

United States

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freight-distress-report-more-than-7000-jobs-cut-in-new-wave-of-closures

Winnebago Industries is consolidating its production facilities to optimize operations. This strategic move involves relocating some manufacturing processes to different sites within Indiana and Iowa. As a result, several facilities will be closed, leading to an unspecified number of employee layoffs. The company stated these changes aim to create a more agile and stronger enterprise for future growth. Despite the consolidation, Winnebago and Grand Design RV will continue to operate as distinct brands.

Middlebury, Indiana

https://www.truckpartsandservice.com/products/supplier-updates/article/15832623/winnebago-layoffs-rv-production-consolidation-strategy

Winnebago Industries is laying off 27 production employees at its Forest City plant. These layoffs are part of a larger manufacturing footprint consolidation. The company is closing facilities in Indiana and Iowa. Operations will be moved to other existing plants. This move aims to create a stronger and more agile enterprise.

Forest City, Iowa

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2026/08/17/winnebago-layoffs-forest-city-iowa-indiana-plant-consolidation/91338113007/

We’ve heard rumors of domestic onsite engineering headcount reductions in favor of offshoring work to the KLTC and BTC. Finally heard a real number; a 40% to 50% reduction in onsite engineering at the manufacturing sites by ~2030. Already importing folks from KL and BTC to fill key business team rolls onsite. Soon XOM will be run from Malaysia and India. Prepare your resumes.

Enkei America Inc. will cease operations at its aluminum wheel manufacturing facility in North Jacksonville. This closure will result in the elimination of 62 jobs. The plant is scheduled to shut down by the end of August. The company filed official notice of these layoffs with the state. This decision impacts local employment in the manufacturing sector.

Jacksonville, Florida

https://www.jacksonville.com/story/business/2026/07/08/enkei-america-to-close-jacksonville-facility/90851482007/

Adare Pharma Solutions will lay off 137 workers at its manufacturing and packaging facility in Philadelphia. The company cited adverse economic situations for its clients as the reason for the closure. The plant's shutdown will occur in stages between March and June of next year. Adare plans to assist affected employees in finding new roles. The company's corporate headquarters will remain in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/cdmo-adare-plots-137-layoffs-philly-shortly-after-transplanting-headquarters-new

Archery manufacturer Bowtech will be closing its Eugene facility. This closure will result in the layoff of 42 employees. The company is relocating its operations to Texas. This move is part of a broader trend of Oregon companies announcing workforce reductions. The exact reasons for the relocation were not detailed.

Eugene, Oregon

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2026/08/10/bowtech-layoffs-eugene.html

A manufacturing plant in Tomahawk is permanently closing its doors. This closure will lead to the job loss of 76 employees. The facility produced standard air receivers and pressure vessels. Employees have been notified of their permanent separation dates. Layoffs are expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Tomahawk, Wisconsin

https://www.wjfw.com/news/local/layoffs-manufacturing-plant-closure-in-tomahawk-results-in-76-people-laid-off/article_c0aec931-126a-4a35-8d65-6d20e8303a5b.html

Has anyone heard anything regarding the closure of 3M ASD Detroit site? They run 3000 grit all the way down to 12 grit and I’m curious to know why close a place that can do what most if not any other site can’t do? Very strange choice considering the number for M10 are absolutely horrendous. But more so there’s really been no talks about the closure considering they make a huge bulk of a certain product that any other site has been able to make.. they’ve tried but nobody can do it.

General Mills will permanently close its pizza crust manufacturing facility in St. Charles, Missouri. This shutdown will result in the layoff of 163 employees, primarily production staff. The company had previously announced these closure plans in an SEC filing last October. The facility was acquired by General Mills in June 2022. This closure is part of a larger initiative to enhance supply chain competitiveness.

St. Charles, Missouri

https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/30124-general-mills-set-to-shutter-pizza-crust-facility

Alabama's unemployment rate has climbed to its highest point since late 2021, reaching 3.2% in June. This increase coincides with over 1,700 layoffs announced by state companies in the first seven months of 2026. These figures represent a significant jump from previous years, with 2025 seeing 4,057 affected workers and 2024 experiencing 1,973. The majority of the largest layoffs this year have occurred in the manufacturing sector, often due to facility closures. Reasons cited for these workforce reductions include business restructuring for efficiency and financial difficulties.

Montgomery, Alabama

https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/local/alabama/2026/08/04/alabama-unemployment-climbs-amid-2026-job-cuts/91060964007/

Lincoln Nautilus and Lincoln Corsair coming from China only.

Who is the genius that chose this over US manufacturing?

Showcase Window and Door Co. will permanently shut down its manufacturing plant. This facility is located in Missouri City. The plant shares its address with the company's main office. It also houses the showroom and Houston sales office. The closure marks a significant operational change for the company.

Missouri City, Texas

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2026/07/23/showcase-window-and-door-warn-layoffs-closure.html

A Seattle-based cheesemaker is pursuing the purchase of a recently shuttered Wisconsin manufacturing facility. This move comes shortly after the current owner announced the plant's closure and subsequent layoffs. The company intends to restart operations at the site. They also plan to rehire a significant portion of the workers who were let go. This potential acquisition represents an expansion into the Midwest for the business.

Shullsburg, Wisconsin

https://www.ien.com/food-beverage/video/22971252/seattle-cheesemaker-looks-to-save-shuttered-wisconsin-facility

Federal data indicates a rise in planned layoffs for July, primarily affecting the technology and manufacturing sectors. These workforce reductions are attributed to increased uncertainty, the integration of AI, and a desire for greater efficiency. While the overall labor market remains stable with low unemployment, hiring has become more selective. Experts suggest these layoffs represent structural shifts rather than a broad economic decline. The trend points to a cautious hiring environment as companies adapt to evolving industry needs.

U.S.

https://www.newsweek.com/list-of-companies-laying-off-employees-in-july-12128209

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2026/07/22/elite-comfort-solutions-newnan-layoffs.html

Manufacturing jobs in Chautauqua County experienced significant reductions during the second quarter. Over 300 positions were eliminated across the sector. Despite these layoffs, manufacturing remains the region's strongest industry. Economic development leaders are working to address the situation. Further details on specific companies are not available in the provided text.

Chautauqua County, NY

https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2026/07/22/chautauqua-county-mark-geise-manufacturing.html

Techmer PM will lay off 68 employees at its Elk Grove Village facility. The layoffs are scheduled to occur on September 30. The company did not disclose the reason for these permanent job reductions. Techmer PM acquired Colors for Plastics, the affected entity, in 2025. The company is a global materials design solutions provider.

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/state/2026/07/21/illinois-workers-to-lose-jobs-in-cook-county-il-after-acquisition-by-tennessee-company/90879532007/

ExxonMobil has publicly stated that domestic manufacturing is a central pillar of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, and the company has launched its own “Make in India” initiative to help realize that goal ExxonMobil+1.

Strategic Alignment with India’s Goals
India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 aims to transform the country into a self-reliant, globally competitive manufacturing hub. ExxonMobil sees strong synergies between its global energy infrastructure operations and India’s industrial ambitions, particularly in heavy engineering, shipbuilding, and specialized manufacturing ExxonMobil.

Current and Future Sourcing
Current scale: In the last two years, ExxonMobil affiliates have sourced USD 100 million worth of equipment from India ExxonMobil+1.

Future target: The company plans to scale sourcing to billions of dollars by the end of the decade ExxonMobil+1.

Focus areas:

Mega modules — large, pre-assembled units used in petrochemical plants and refineries.

Energy infrastructure equipment for LNG, refining, and chemical projects.

Shipbuilding synergies — both industries require heavy engineering, specialized suppliers, and complex logistics networks ExxonMobil+1.

Why India?
India offers:

A skilled workforce in engineering and fabrication.

Expanding connectivity (roads, ports, railways) to support large-scale manufacturing.

Resilient supply chains that can support complex, high-value projects ExxonMobil.

Impact
By leveraging India’s growing engineering and fabrication capabilities, ExxonMobil aims to:

Reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing for its global projects.

Support India’s industrial growth and energy security.

Create high-value jobs and technology transfer opportunities in the country ExxonMobil+1.

In short, ExxonMobil’s “Make in India” initiative is not just a corporate sourcing strategy — it’s a strategic investment in India’s manufacturing future, aligned with its national vision for 2047.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/how-texas-police-spent-4-5-million-on-four-chevy-tahoes

So sweet!

We back the blue, no matter what. We should build these vehicles directly instead of letting CogNyte profit from the massive markup on retrofitted surveillance technology. Everything should be designed and built in America. Ford Tough. The strong profit margins on a small number of specialized vehicles are simply an added benefit of helping law enforcement do good police work.

Electrolux is transitioning its Anderson plant from refrigerator production to laundry equipment manufacturing. This significant change follows a North American partnership with Midea, a Chinese appliance giant. Over 1,200 workers were laid off as part of this operational overhaul. The company plans to retool the facility, with production expected to resume in early 2027. Many displaced workers are finding new employment opportunities in the local manufacturing sector.

Anderson, South Carolina

https://www.andersonobserver.com/news/electrolux-layoffs-near-complete-overhaul-for-new-products-set-to-begin

Iowa experienced its highest number of layoffs in twelve months during June, with 656 workers affected. Whirlpool Corporation and the Iowa Department of Management were the primary drivers of these job cuts. Whirlpool's Middle Amana plant saw significant reductions, continuing a trend of declining employment there. The state's IT sector also faced substantial job losses as the Department of Management privatizes services. Additional manufacturing closures contributed to the overall increase in affected workers.

Des Moines, Iowa

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2026/07/15/wells-fargo-layoffs-whirlpool-iowa-june-job-losses/90840247007/

Honeywell is closing its Luton facility—which manufactures water meters—in 2027 and moving production to Slovakia, where a Centre of Excellence is being established. Layoffs are currently underway.

Emerson Automation Solutions will close its Charlottesville facility by year-end, resulting in the layoff of 139 employees. The company cited business economics as the reason for the closure. Employees have been notified and will receive a severance plan based on their tenure. This marks the second wave of layoffs for the company in the area. The facility manufactures automation equipment and software.

Charlottesville, Virginia

https://communityengagement.substack.com/p/tuesday-july-14-2026-emerson-automated

Connecticut manufacturers face a persistent skills gap, with companies struggling to fill open positions despite recent layoffs at larger firms. The demand for specialized skills, particularly in advanced manufacturing and defense sectors, outstrips the available workforce. Major hiring pushes by companies like Electric Boat exacerbate the problem, drawing talent away from smaller suppliers. While some displaced workers are available, their skill sets often do not align with current industry needs. This situation necessitates significant investment in training and development for new hires, a costly process for many businesses.

Waterbury, Connecticut

https://hartfordbusiness.com/article/skills-mismatch-factory-layoffs-arent-solving-manufacturers-hiring-problems/

Nippon Electric Glass will cease its glass fiber production in North America. This decision includes the closure of its Shelby plant. The company is also selling its Lexington facility. Approximately 282 employees will be affected by these changes. The Shelby plant has been operational since the late 1950s.

https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2026/07/09/nippon-electric-glass-layoffs-shelby-manufacturing.html

The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index climbed to 56.0 in June. This indicates solid economic growth in the regional manufacturing sector. However, the employment index remained weak at 49.8, showing job losses. The region's manufacturing sector shed 15,000 jobs over the past year. Wholesale prices remained elevated, undermining chances for Federal Reserve rate cuts.

https://ruralradio.com/kneb-tv/news/regional-manufacturing-improves-despite-job-losses-inflation/

In the cold light of day, how can employing green employees with no experience in another part of the world, add layers of management, kpis, traffic lights, scorecards, layered fu--ing engagement , QC by expats etc etc , ever be better than recruiting and developing talent at manufacturing sites.
Never.
Fu--ing id--ts.
Over 10 years they've been nothing but an overhead.

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America is expanding its workforce. The company aims to fill approximately 400 production positions. These jobs are located at its Daikin Texas Technology Park in Waller. Employees will manufacture heating and air conditioning systems. This hiring push contrasts with recent layoffs by other Texas employers.

https://coveringkaty.com/news/waller/daikin-seeks-to-fill-400-manufacturing-jobs-at-waller-campus/

Push the button and nothing happens (people die). Can’t recall Patriot systems deployed.

From Ford Authority:
Ford has a long history of supplying the U.S. military with various goods, beginning way back during World War I and extending to World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. As Ford Authority recently reported, the Trump administration previously approached Ford and other automakers regarding the possibility of shifting some capacity to we-pons production, and Ford CEO Jim Farley later confirmed that the automaker was "in early discussions with the U.S. government on some defense-related projects" - as well as the European Union, too.

Now, those talks have seemingly progressed, as U.S. President Donald Trump recently revealed that both Ford and General Motors are in discussions with defense contractors that could result in the repurposing of certain plants for we-pons production, according to CBS News. Trump noted that those we-pons include things like the Patriot and the Tomahawk missile.

S&P Global reported on US manufacturing layoffs. Layoffs in June reached levels not seen since 2009. This excludes the initial COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Concerns over global demand and rising costs drove these job cuts. Manufacturing PMI growth was mainly due to inventory replenishment.

https://www.bitget.com/amp/news/detail/12560605474712

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/06/uaw-blasts-gm-for-installing-robots-on-factory-zero-assembly-line/

Thorogood Boots opened a new manufacturing facility and its first retail store. The $14.5 million, 70,000-square-foot facility is located in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Thorogood's parent company, operates the site. The new flagship store allows customers to view the boot production floor directly. This expansion highlights the company's commitment to American workers and union labor.

https://wwd.com/footwear-news/shoe-industry-news/thorogood-marshfield-wisconsin-manufacturing-facility-store-1239017044/

Eklind Tool Company will close its Illinois factory. This closure will result in 112 employee layoffs. The layoffs are scheduled for August 10. The company submitted a WARN notice on June 10. Eklind Tool produces specialized items like hex keys.

Franklin Park, Illinois

https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/state/2026/06/21/illinois-manufacturer-announces-plant-closure-and-layoffs-in-cook-county/90606961007/

Vermont's initial weekly unemployment claims rose slightly. For the week ending June 13, 2026, 324 new claims were reported. This figure represents an increase of 38 from the prior week. Manufacturing and the service industry comprised the majority of these claims. The state's Unemployment Trust Fund remains well-capitalized at $334.3 million.

Vermont

https://vermontbiz.com/news/2026/june/21/weekly-unemployment-claims-edge-324

LNS North America announced it will close its LNS Chipblaster manufacturing plant in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on or about September 30, affecting 67 employees. The shutdown is part of a broader corporate consolidation, with production moving to the company's Kings Mountain, North Carolina, facility.

https://www.pennlive.com/business/2026/04/pa-manufacturing-facility-to-close-lay-off-dozens-of-workers.html

Recent tech sector layoffs are causing a significant talent migration. Healthcare and manufacturing industries are actively absorbing these available workers. Tech-related hiring in healthcare increased by 8% compared to the previous year. Manufacturing also saw a 4% rise in tech-related hiring. Computer programmer is identified as the fastest-growing tech occupation.

https://stlawyers.ca/blog-news/tech-talent-industry-migration-june-2026/

General Motors is adding cobots to its Factory Zero. These collaborative robots are being introduced in Detroit. The factory previously experienced significant layoffs. The United Auto Workers union is expressing displeasure. UAW's concern stems from the automation and job impact.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/manufacturing-logistics/automotive/cdb-gm-cobots-rankle-uaw-20260616/

Chase Corporation will lay off 72 employees. These job cuts will occur between August and December. The affected employees work at the Oxford, Massachusetts location. A WARN notice detailed the upcoming layoffs. Chase Corporation is a global chemical manufacturer.

Oxford, Massachusetts

https://www.masslive.com/centralmass/2026/06/72-employees-face-layoffs-from-global-chemical-manufacturer-in-worcester-county.html