Factory fallout: Manufacturing plant closures and layoffs from Mack Trucks, Tribar Technologies, Phillips Manufacturing, and more
With political winds changing and global markets tightening, manufacturers are making tough decisions—and workers are feeling the impact. In this roundup, we chronicle the closures and cutbacks reverberating throughout the manufacturing sector. As uncertainty becomes the new normal, we examine how businesses and workers alike are navigating a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Patrick Yarn Mill Inc., a manufacturer of cut-resistant and flame-retardant yarns, will permanently close its facility at 501 York Road in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, by December 31, resulting in the layoff of 173 employees. The mill, located about 35 miles west of Charlotte, has operated for 62 years and was formerly part of the Pharr textile company. Layoffs will occur in four phases beginning May 31 and will affect a range of positions, including machine operators, manufacturing managers, warehouse workers, and analysts.
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According to MLive, Tribar Technologies, a Southeast Michigan auto supplier, is laying off 188 employees as part of a planned consolidation. Following its recent sale, the company will close its Wixom facilities—located at 29835 Beck Road, 29883 Beck Road, and 48668 Alpha Drive, including its headquarters—by June 8. Operations will be consolidated into its two existing plants in Howell. The WARN notice did not disclose the identity of the purchasing company.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced it will permanently close its coated recycled paperboard manufacturing facility in Middletown, Ohio, on or about June 1, 2025, impacting approximately 130 employees. According to the press release, the closure is part of a previously disclosed plan to consolidate production into facilities in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Waco, Texas. In a recent quote, Michael Doss, President and CEO, said, "I want to thank the Middletown team which has played an important role in the growth and success of Graphic Packaging. We are working closely with affected employees to provide employment placement assistance and support." The company noted the move supports its broader strategy to enhance efficiency and environmental performance.
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According to WFMJ 21 News, Phillips Manufacturing, a company that produces drywall and stucco products, has closed its plant on Walnut Street in Niles, resulting in several employee terminations. The closure was announced unexpectedly during a meeting on Wednesday after employees received a text at 6 a.m. instructing them to attend. In a recent quote, Mark Murray, staff representative for United Steel Workers local 1375, said, "We asked if they were going to think about layoffs at any time, and they said 'No, that they weren't'." The shutdown caught both workers and the union by surprise, despite ongoing monthly meetings with the company.
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According to FleetOwner, Mack Trucks, which manufactures heavy-duty trucks, will lay off between 250 and 350 employees over the next 90 days at its Lehigh Valley Operations center near Allentown, Pennsylvania. The layoffs are attributed to reduced demand and ongoing market uncertainty influenced by freight rates, regulatory concerns, and tariffs. In a recent quote, Kimberly Pupillo, a Mack spokesperson, said, “Heavy-duty truck orders continue to be negatively affected by market uncertainty about freight rates and demand, possible regulatory changes, and the impact of tariffs. Yesterday, we informed our employees that this unfortunately means we’ll have to lay off 250 to 350 people at LVO over the next 90 days.” The company stated the decision is necessary to align production levels with current market conditions.
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