Factory fallout: Manufacturing plant closures and layoffs from AAF Flanders, Nestlé, and more

Manufacturing is in a tough place at the moment. At least as many manufacturers are harmed by tariffs as those that are helped by them, and industry’s network of suppliers mean layoffs and plant closures can sometimes come from seemingly nowhere. This series of digests highlights recent closures and lost jobs in the manufacturing industry that might otherwise escape notice.

AAF Flanders announced last month it would close its Ardmore, Oklahoma air filter factory, laying off 120 people. In a statement accompanying the closure, AAF Americas COO Paul Sennett said the closure was part of “a broader strategic realignment to optimize the company’s manufacturing footprint and enhance long-term profitability.” Ardmore City Manager Kevin Boatright, as quoted by local news The Ardmoreite, said, “We as a city are very sad to hear about the closure of Flanders. We know they have been a great corporate partner in our community. We are hopeful that our community will reach out with us to find new employment for the citizens that are being displaced.”

The NPR of America, Inc. plant in Grand Haven, Michigan is slated to close in 2027, according to a WARN notice reported on by local news. The company, a subsidiary of Nippon Piston Ring Co., produces piston rings for use in internal combustion engines and other equipment. Of the Grand Haven facility’s 63 jobs, 50 will be let go before December 23 this year. GNPR of America will retain one manufacturing site in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Nestlé announced October 16 it plans to trim 16,000 workers from its payroll over the next two years as its new CEO, Philipp Navratil, looks to cut costs. “The world is changing, and Nestlé needs to change faster. This will include making hard but necessary decisions to reduce headcount over the next two years,” he said, adding the company’s newest savings target for 2027 is 3 billion Swiss francs — $3.76 billion USD.

Hill & Smith, a manufacturer of traffic lights, is closing its Garland, Texas factory in the northern part of the state.  A WARN notice filed with the state of Texas said the closure will eliminate 46 jobs. In a company statement, Hill & Smith announced that, due to an upcoming merger with California company National Signal, operations at the Garland site will move to National Signal’s trailer business in La Mirada. Local news site WFAA reported the company would work with Garland employees on severance packages and other considerations. In an unsigned company statement, Hill & Smith said “We are grateful to our Garland team for their dedication and contributions, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition.”

PTS Diagnostics Inc. announced it would close its diabetes-related blood testing devices factory in Sunnyvale, California. The plant will begin closing December 5, and the final closure will come by the end of the first quarter 2026. According to a company statement, the closure comes as PTS looks to consolidate its operations in its Whitestown, Indiana factory, opened in 2019. PTS CEO Jonathan Chapman, in a statement, credited the employees for their positive impact on “quality of life for persons with diabetes in the global communities we serve.” According to Indiana new site Inside Indiana Business, the closed business employed 56 people.