Factory Fallout: Manufacturing layoffs from Thermo Fisher, MAGNET, HNI Corp. and more

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported January 9 that the U.S. manufacturing sector lost roughly 8,000 jobs in December 2025. As the industry continues to struggle with rising prices, an unclear tariff landscape and unexpected changes to federal policy, manufacturers seem to be laying off and closing more than they are hiring. Read on for five recent manufacturing layoffs and closures.

Kroehler Furniture announced December 29 that it would close its Conover, North Carolina factory and lay off 275 employees according to a WARN notice it filed with the state two days before layoffs became effective December 31. According to the report, the abrupt closure was due to a “significant reduction in business.” Local newspaper the Charlotte Observer noted the closure came alongside area closures of associated American Signature Furniture retail locations.

AngioDynamics, a medical devices manufacturer in Glens Falls, New York, will begin laying off 54 of its 265 workers there starting February 27. In a WARN report filed with the state in November 2025, AngioDynamics cited the loss of a contract as a necessary layoff.

MAGNET, a nonprofit and manufacturing extension partnership of northeast Ohio, has laid off about half its staff due to federal and state funding freezes. According to reporting from IndustryWeek, MAGNET has laid off 37 of its 76 employees and is no longer officially a member of the manufacturing extension partnership network. In comments to IndustryWeek, MAGNET CEO Ethan Karp said the organization would continue to operate as a nonprofit, albeit in a diminished capacity.

Thermo Fisher Scientific filed a WARN notice with North Carolina January 8 and said it would close its Weaverville, North Carolina factory and permanently lay off 421 employees. Layoffs are expected to begin December 31, 2026 and continue through the entirety of 2027. According to local news source ABC 13, Thermo Fisher plans to transfer production of some products to other U.S. facilities.

HNI Corporation announced January 8 it would close its Wayland, New York office furniture plant in 2027 to consolidate production. In a company statement, HNI COO Brandon Bullock said the decision to close the shop was a difficult one, and that the timing of the announcement is meant to smooth the transition. Products currently made at the Wayland site, HNI said, will move to other factories. According to Furniture Today, the move is likely to affect 135 workers.