#michigan

Companies in Michigan are increasingly pointing to artificial intelligence as the reason for recent layoffs. However, experts suggest that the reality behind these workforce reductions is more complicated than just AI. While AI plays a role, other factors are also contributing to job cuts across the technology sector. This trend is evident in significant reductions at a Grand Rapids-based firm and a wider national pattern. The true drivers of these layoffs appear to be multifaceted.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2026/08/19/companies-cite-ai-for-layoffs-in-michigan-but-its-not-so-simple/91010735007/

General Motors will implement 350 layoffs at two Lansing facilities starting January 14, 2027. These job reductions are expected to impact local businesses beyond the affected employees. Experts note that smaller suppliers heavily reliant on GM could face significant consequences. Local business owners anticipate a ripple effect on restaurants, gas stations, and other service providers. Despite the layoffs, GM is investing in future production at the Lansing Grand River site.

Lansing, MI

https://www.wilx.com/2026/08/17/they-all-come-here-local-business-prepares-life-after-gm-layoffs/

General Motors is laying off 350 workers at two Lansing facilities. These layoffs are a result of a significant investment to retool the plants for future Cadillac sedan production. The affected employees will be impacted starting in mid-January. GM anticipates recalling workers after the plant modifications are complete. Some employees may find opportunities at other company locations or receive supplemental pay.

Lansing, Michigan

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2026/08/14/gm-layoff-cadillac-ct5-sedan-lansing-grand-river-plant/91304322007/

Dearborn officials have approved over $11 million for library renovations at two branches. This funding will modernize the Bryant and Esper library locations. However, the project will temporarily lead to layoffs for approximately 40 part-time library workers. City leaders state these job reductions are necessary due to branch closures during construction. The city plans to reassign full-time staff and seek other municipal roles for affected part-time employees.

Dearborn, MI

https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2026/05/dearborn-approves-117m-library-renovations-despite-concerns-over-temporary-layoffs.html

Fifth Third Bank is implementing further workforce reductions in the Detroit area following its acquisition of Comerica Bank. The bank recently informed the state of its intention to eliminate 234 positions at the former Comerica Operations Center in Auburn Hills. These latest layoffs are scheduled to take effect by September 11. This brings the total number of job cuts related to the merger to over 700 in Michigan. The specific reasons for these additional job cuts were not disclosed.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2026/07/22/more-layoffs-michigan-53-comerica-merger/91013014007/

Cumulus Media has recently implemented a series of layoffs across its operations. The exact number of employees affected nationwide is still being determined. Several individuals have confirmed their departure from the company this week. These cuts have impacted various roles, including on-air personalities and programming directors. The company has not yet released a comprehensive statement on the extent of these workforce reductions.

Detroit, MI

https://radioinsight.com/headlines/368975/layoffs-this-week-at-cumulus-media/

District Health Department No. 4 has successfully addressed its budget deficit through a combination of administrative actions, new funding, and staff reductions. The department eliminated one IT position and reduced another's pay, while also cutting two environmental health positions based on seniority. These layoffs have eased the department's financial strain. Additionally, DHD4 anticipates receiving significant grant funding, including annual environmental health grants and one-time emerging threat grants. The board is now considering future wage increases for remaining employees.

Alpena, Michigan

https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2026/02/health-department-solves-budget-deficit/

New regulations in Michigan have increased the weekly job search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. Claimants must now complete three work search activities per week to maintain eligibility. The updated laws also provide expanded protections for domestic violence survivors who leave their jobs due to abuse. Additionally, the Work Share program is enhanced to help employers avoid layoffs by reducing hours and supplementing wages. These changes aim to support both job seekers and employers in the state.

Grand Rapids, Mich.

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/michigan-new-unemployment-laws-changes-2026/69-7fdea5d1-180d-40af-a2bc-48ab4b327ce4

Republic National Distributing Company has issued conditional layoff notices to 641 employees across five Michigan facilities. These notices are linked to a potential sale of the company's operations in control states. The transaction is with Martignetti Companies and is not yet finalized. RNDC stated the notices are precautionary and required by federal law. No final employment decisions have been made at this time.

Kentwood, Michigan

https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/major-alcohol-distributor-warns-641-174054046.html?ref=biztoc.com

"Customers are the heart of everything" used to be the slogan for TR. Then they got rid of it. Then they were "the answer company." That went away, I guess the answers did too.... So what are they now? A shell of itself. It's been a long time since TR was rated one of the best places to work in Michigan or the United States. It's funny to see when the company is posted as a best place to work in another country. They'll find out soon enough. It's sad to see what it's become. The people are what made it worthwhile. Now they're pushing out the people.

Fifth Third Bank is laying off 234 employees at a former Comerica Bank operations center in Auburn Hills, bringing the company's Michigan job cuts tied to the merger to more than 700.

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2026/07/22/fifth-third-bank-cuts-more-jobs-targeting-comerica-operation-center/90773990007/

Fifth Third Bancorp is implementing further workforce reductions following its acquisition of Comerica Bank. The bank will eliminate 234 positions at a former Comerica operations center. This latest action brings the total number of job cuts in Michigan to over 700. These layoffs are part of the ongoing restructuring efforts after the significant merger. The company is streamlining operations to integrate the acquired entity.

Auburn Hills, Michigan

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/banking-finance/cdb-fifth-third-layoffs-20260722/

The acquisition of Comerica by Fifth Third Bank has generated significant local discussion. While the disappearance of a long-standing financial institution is noted, the controversy has escalated due to a perceived slight against a beloved local food item. This has drawn unexpected attention to the cultural impact of the merger. The public's reaction highlights the deep connection between community identity and local businesses. The situation has become a talking point beyond the financial implications of the deal.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.freep.com/story/news/columnists/neal-rubin/2026/07/16/fifth-third-comerica-bank-purchase-american-coney-island-cincinnai-chili-tim-spence-grace-keros/90908987007/

A new state budget has provided crucial funding for Genesee County's prosecutor's office. This development averts the threat of layoffs for 32 employees. The funding supports a program aimed at adding staff to prosecutor offices in high-crime areas. This financial relief prevents a significant budget hole for the county. Employees can now expect continued employment without fear of job loss.

Flint, MI

https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/07/new-state-budget-funds-extra-genesee-county-prosecutors-shelves-potential-layoffs.html

Huntington Bank will close thirteen branches across Michigan. The majority of these closures will occur on August 28th. Two specific locations in Troy and Traverse City will close in November. The bank stated these decisions are part of regular network reviews. Huntington Bank will continue to operate a significant branch network in the state.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2026/07/13/huntington-bank-to-close-13-michigan-branches-several-in-metro-detroit/90906653007/

A significant fire at its Grand Rapids warehouse has forced Notions Marketing to cancel all orders and lay off approximately 200 employees. The accidental blaze, believed to be caused by an internal electrical failure following a power surge, has rendered the main facility unusable. Operations were crippled, with significant inventory also contaminated by smoke. The company stated there is no clear timeline for resuming safe operations at the damaged site. This permanent mass layoff affects a substantial portion of their workforce.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/fire-at-grand-rapids-warehouse-prompts-mass-layoff-of-200-workers/

A nurses union has filed a lawsuit against Sturgis Hospital. The union alleges the hospital violated state employment law. This action follows recent layoffs at the facility. The lawsuit seeks to address the alleged legal infractions. The hospital has not yet publicly responded to the suit.

Sturgis, MI

https://www.woodtv.com/video/nurses-union-sues-sturgis-hospital-after-layoffs/11972278/

I'm old enough to remember all the haters saying Southfield isn't a hub. Welp, just got word a multi-decade lease has been signed on a recently remodeled building. Got about 1k employees moving there over the next year. Live your designation and try not to seethe.

How to Access Your Records (Michigan Employees)
If you are trying to track down past records from Ford and worked for them in Michigan, you are legally protected by the Bullard-Plawecki Right to Know Act (MCL 423.501). 
Under this Michigan state law, if you submit a written request to Ford’s Human Resources or corporate records division, they are required to provide you with an opportunity to review or receive a copy of your official personnel file, assuming it has not passed its standard 7-year post-employment purge date.

Two companies announced Michigan layoffs in June. Ascend Wellness Holdings planned to lay off 94 workers in Lansing. This followed the closure of its ca--abis facility. The Dako Group also planned to lay off 82 employees in Auburn Hills. These actions affected a total of 176 employees.

https://www.mlive.com/news/2026/07/2-companies-planned-over-170-michigan-layoffs-in-june.html

MMPA opened its Remus plant. Leprino Foods previously operated this site. Leprino ceased operations there in May 2025. MMPA will produce cottage cheese with Good Culture. More than 500,000 pounds of milk will be processed daily.

Remus, Michigan

https://bigrapidsdailynews.com/breaking-news/921294

Lucid Group Inc. is conducting its second round of layoffs this year. The electric vehicle startup is reducing its overall headcount. These job cuts affect a small number of Michigan workers. Specifically, the Southfield operations are impacted. This downsizing reflects the company's retrenchment efforts.

Southfield, Michigan

https://www.crainsdetroit.com/manufacturing-logistics/automotive/cdb-lucid-motors-layoffs-20260623/

Just fyi... there were well over 300 comments about prayers for those impacted by the dow layoffs in Midland Michigan on ask midlands FB thread. Looks like the admin mediator was forced to remove all of it. There were several comments suggesting layoff numbers will reach 800-1000 locally within Midland.

Has anyone heard whether Meridian (a subsidiary of Centene) will be affected by VSP or future layoffs? I'm relatively new and I heard a rumor here in Michigan that we are canned!

Michigan's economy continues to expand, but job growth is slowing. A West Michigan survey revealed the employment index turned negative in May. This indicates employers are becoming more cautious about hiring. Statewide forecasts predict slower economic growth and a softer labor market. Consumer confidence and spending are critical factors for the future outlook.

https://mitechnews.com/news/michigan-economy-still-growing-but-new-signs-point-to-a-slower-job-market/

Navitas Systems announced 82 job layoffs. The company also plans to close one or two of its Ann Arbor locations. These changes stem from a business refocus by its owner. East Penn Manufacturing is strengthening its Motive Power Lithium battery business. The layoffs are scheduled from July 11 to October 31.

Ann Arbor, MI

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/82-workers-laid-off-closures-coming-for-ann-arbor-energy-storage-provider/ar-AA23cDpL

Is it on Michigan's unemployment website?

Acrisure is laying off 2,250 employees. This reduction represents 11% of its total workforce. The layoffs will begin now and continue in phases into 2027. These changes primarily impact U.S.-based operations. The company cites advances in technology, AI, and digital platforms as reasons.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/source-acrisure-announces-2250-layoffs-totaling-11-of-workforce-citing-technology-al-digital-platforms/69-339a1b30-018e-4c2e-885a-c0a82e7583f7

ANN ARBOR, MI — State lawmakers from the Ann Arbor area are joining Ann Arbor officials in urging the University of Michigan to not buy the Concordia University property in the city.

General Motors initiated a new round of layoffs. The cuts affected 500 to 600 salaried IT employees. These layoffs primarily occurred in Michigan and Texas. GM stated this is part of transforming its IT organization. The company faces criticism for simultaneously recruiting foreign workers.

https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/gm-letting-workers-while-hiring-180036743.html

Ascend Wellness Holdings will close its mari--ana grow operation in Lansing. This action will result in 95 employee layoffs. The facility requires repairs and remediation following a fire. Operations are scheduled to cease by June 26. The company cited employee safety due to the scale of planned construction.

Lansing, Michigan

https://www.aol.com/articles/lansing-mari--ana-grow-close-95-174525189.html

Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis reduced their American professional staff. More than twenty thousand individuals were affected by these cuts. General Motors made the deepest personnel cuts. Ford and Stellantis also decreased their employee totals. AI and other tech advancements contribute to these staff reductions.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.bitget.com/amp/news/detail/12560605414080

The Taubman Co. is closing its Bloomfield Hills headquarters. It plans to lay off 105 employees. These actions will take effect on January 9. This follows its recent acquisition by Simon Property Group. Simon Property Group finalized the remaining interest on November 3.

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

https://www.aol.com/articles/mall-developer-taubman-permanently-close-193712165.html

Joey Gamrat owns Copper's Dog House and Grazing Table in downtown Kalamazoo. Paid parking was implemented on April 1 outside his businesses. Gamrat reports these changes have driven customers away. Consequently, he has laid off staff and reduced his menu. The City of Kalamazoo plans to offer 30 minutes of free meter parking soon.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/kzoo-bc/kalamazoo/downtown-kalamazoo-business-owner-says-parking-changes-prompted-layoffs

Lansing School District recently cut 50 staff positions. This action follows the end of federal pandemic relief money. Superintendent Jessica Benavides confirmed the cuts. Federal pandemic funding has now ended. Many Michigan K-12 schools face similar budget shortfalls.

Lansing, Michigan

https://www.wilx.com/2026/05/08/tight-budgets-force-lansing-school-district-layoffs-federal-relief-money-runs-dry-across-michigan/

Fifth Third Bancorp plans a mass layoff. It will affect 502 workers. These employees are at a former Comerica campus. The campus is located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Fifth Third acquired Comerica Bank three months ago.

Farmington Hills, Michigan

https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2026/05/08/fifth-third-layoffs-metro-detroit-former-comerica-site/89997647007/

Fifth Third Bancorp has notified the state of Michigan that it plans to lay off 502 workers at what was Comerica's Great Lakes Campus at 36455 Corporate Drive in Farmington Hills. The campus is relatively new and opened in 2024, and Fifth Third says it is committed to keeping it open.

https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2026/05/08/fifth-third-layoffs-metro-detroit-former-comerica-site/89997647007/

Howard Miller is relaunching under new West Michigan ownership and leadership. The company had previously announced plans to wind down operations. This closure led to layoffs in Michigan and North Carolina. Longtime executive Jim O’Keefe will serve as president of the revived company. The company will focus on its core clock and furniture categories.

Zeeland, Michigan

https://www.furnituretoday.com/financial/howard-miller-relaunches-under-new-west-michigan-ownership/

Paramount Skydance proposes acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. This merger aims to build necessary scale for global competition. The combined company expects to invest in more content production. Increased production will create more jobs for skilled workers. This deal offers growth against current industry contraction.

Detroit, Michigan

https://www.aol.com/news/paramount-wbd-merger-could-good-223158974.html

RESRG Automotive will begin layoffs. These job reductions are scheduled for this summer. The company plans to implement the layoffs soon. Employees will be affected starting this summer. RESRG Automotive is initiating these workforce changes.

https://www.14news.com/video/2026/04/22/layoffs-starting-this-summer-resrg-automotive-14-first-alert-streaming-230-pm-42226/?outputType=amp