Factory fallout: Manufacturing plant closures and layoffs from Winnebago, Revlon, Nexteer Automotive, 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 NorthIowaNow.com, Winnebago Industries, a manufacturer of recreational vehicles, is laying off about 200 hourly employees at its Forest City manufacturing facility starting next month. The layoffs come as the company pauses its Class A motorhome production line due to high inventory levels, challenging market conditions, and decreased consumer demand. The company stated that the decision was not made lightly and it was made reflecting on the broader challenges the company is facing. The last day of work for affected employees will be June 13. 
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According to ABC12, Nexteer Automotive, a manufacturer of power steering and driveline components, has laid off approximately 80 employees at its Buena Vista Township and Auburn Hills locations. The Buena Vista Township facility, located near M-46 and I-75, is one of Saginaw County's largest employers with around 1,100 workers. In a recent quote, Herve Boyer, Senior Vice President, said, "We are working with our affected employees to provide support services as well as separation packages to help them through this transition." The layoffs were made to better align the company’s operations with current and future demand. 
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According to MySanAntonio.com, International Paper, a global manufacturer of paper, packaging, and other pulp-based products, is permanently closing two facilities in Edinburg, Texas, and restructuring another in McAllen, resulting in the loss of 137 jobs in South Texas. The company is laying off 132 full-time employees at its Edinburg box and sheet plants and five salaried workers at its Mechanical Packaging Systems facility in McAllen. In a recent quote, Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president of Packaging Solutions North America, said, “The decision to cease our operations at our two Edinburg facilities while investing in McAllen and Reynosa allows us to focus our efforts, provide excellent customer experiences and maintain a competitive cost structure that we believe positions us for profitable growth.” The closures are part of a broader shift in operations to Reynosa, Mexico, where International Paper is building a new sheet plant. 
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According to the Jacksonville Daily Record, Revlon, a beauty products company, is permanently closing its manufacturing facility on Jacksonville’s Westside, resulting in the layoff of 127 employees. The layoffs at the plant, located at 5344 Overmyer Drive, will begin on July 18 and continue over a three-month period. In a recent statement, the company said, “The decision to terminate these operations is to streamline our business operations to ensure the long-term sustainability of our company.” Production from the Jacksonville facility, which manufactures products such as Creme of Nature and American Crew, will be shifted to Revlon’s existing plant in Oxford, North Carolina. 
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According to WGRZ 2, Nuttall Gear, a manufacturer of speed reducer gear sets for industries including aerospace and power generation, is laying off more than half its workforce at its Niagara Falls facility. The company will lay off 32 of its 68 employees between August 8 and the end of the year, as stated in a WARN notice filed with the New York State Department of Labor. The layoffs will occur at the plant located at 2221 Niagara Falls Blvd. in Niagara Falls. 
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