Factory fallout: Manufacturing plant closures and layoffs from Chevron, TransAxle, Denka, 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 Hartford Business Journal, TransAxle LLC, a manufacturer of heavy-duty truck parts, will close all 16 of its U.S. locations, including its Killingly, Connecticut facility, after failing to find a buyer. The shutdown will result in 209 employees losing their jobs, with four affected in Killingly between July 15 and 29. Layoffs at the company’s headquarters in Cinnaminson, New Jersey—where more than 100 workers are employed—will occur in a second phase from August 15 to 29.
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According to WeAreGreenBay.com, Silgan Containers Manufacturing, a major producer of metal food packaging, will permanently close its facility in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The closure will impact 56 employees, with layoffs beginning on or after July 21, 2025. Limited production may continue into August as operations are shifted to other Silgan locations. No details were shared regarding severance or transition support.
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According to Fox 8, Denka Performance Elastomer LLC, a U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Denka Company Limited, announced it will halt production and consider selling its chloroprene rubber plant in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The facility, which employed 250 workers as of December, has been shut down for maintenance and will not restart operations following a reported $109 million loss in the past fiscal year. In a recent statement, the company said, “Rising costs, declining production volumes, staffing challenges and a weakening global economic environment for chloroprene have led to the expectation that improving profitability in the near term would be difficult.” While the company has not made a final decision on a permanent closure, all business options, including a potential sale, are under consideration.
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According to WPTA 21Alive, Hoffmaster Group, Inc., a manufacturer of paper straws, is permanently closing its Fort Wayne facility at 7310 Innovation Boulevard later this year. The closure will result in 53 employee layoffs, with the first round beginning in October and the remainder in November, as noted in a WARN notice. A reason for the closure was not provided, but the company has stated it will offer separation benefits to affected employees.
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According to the Des Moines Register, Chevron USA Inc., which produces biodiesel and renewable diesel, is laying off 70 employees at its Ames, Iowa location on June 18, as reported on Iowa’s WARN website. The facility, formerly Renewable Energy Group, became Chevron’s renewable fuels headquarters following a $3.15 billion acquisition in 2022. In a recent quote, Chevron said, “We understand the impact this news may have on our employees, their families and the communities where we operate. Our priority is to support our employees through this transition. We are offering severance benefits and outplacement support.” The company cited the layoffs as part of efforts to “simplify our operating model” and improve efficiency.
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