Factory fallout: Manufacturing layoffs from Schick, Metallics Inc., Wabtec, and more

Manufacturing is in a difficult space right now. The recent long-term closure of the government makes it difficult to say how many manufacturing jobs were gained or lost recently, but in that time, the core conditions of tariff insecurity, expensive materials and stiff competition have persisted.

Mannington Mills, a flooring manufacturer based in Salem, New Jersey, will close three plants in the Southeast, laying off a total of 506 workers. According to a series of WARN reports filed last month with North Carolina and Georgia, Mannington will close its McAdenville, North Carolina factory as well as two plants in Georgia. Layoffs at all three locations are set to come into effect December 27. The Georgia state filings cite a “continual decline in demand and unfavorable market conditions” for the factory closures and permanent layoffs.  

Edgewell Personal Care announced it would permanently close its Schick razor factory in Milford, Connecticut, according to a November 13 WARN report filed with the state. The plant will begin permanently laying off all its employees in the first half of March 2026, and the whole plant will be closed by the end of 2027. According to the report, all affected employees will be notified 60 days before being separated.

Metallics, Inc. announced November 7 that it would close its Bristol, Connecticut fasteners factory and permanently lay off 33 workers, according to a WARN report filed with the state. The Bristol-based company was acquired by NSI Industries in 2022.

RELCO, a Wabtec company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa said it would close down and lay off 34 people New Years’ Eve according to a WARN report filed with the state. According to local news KCRG 9, workers at the locomotive manufacturing and repair company were informed November 11.

Edgewell Personal Care will close its East Knoxville, Tennessee factory by December 31, 2027, according to a WARN notice filed with the state. The factory will start laying off the plant’s 132 workers of the skincare and personal hygiene plant starting June 2026.