Factory fallout: Manufacturing plant closures and layoffs from Bridgestone, Procter & Gamble, General Aluminum, 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 Cincinnati.com, Ineos Styrolution, a producer of plastics chemicals, will permanently close its Addyston, Ohio, plant beginning August 1. The closure will affect 82 employees, with layoffs occurring in multiple waves through March 30, 2026, according to a WARN notice filed on May 30. The company previously stated the plant was no longer economical to operate. The site has been in operation since 2007.
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According to The Tennessean, Bridgestone Americas will permanently close its La Vergne, Tennessee, tire manufacturing plant beginning July 31, resulting in the loss of 658 jobs in Rutherford County. The closure, part of a broader company optimization plan, was confirmed in a WARN notice filed with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The plant has operated since 1971 and was Bridgestone’s first U.S. factory following its acquisition of Firestone in 1988. In a recent quote, a company spokesperson said, “We are optimistic that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be negotiated.”
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According to WPTA 21Alive, General Aluminum, a Huntington-based manufacturer of machined aluminum castings, is permanently closing its facility later this year. The closure will result in the loss of 62 jobs, with layoffs beginning in late August and continuing through September. Located at 1345 Henry Street, the company did not disclose a reason for the shutdown. According to a WARN notice, employees will not receive separation benefits.
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Procter & Gamble plans to eliminate up to 7,000 non-manufacturing roles—approximately 15% of its non-manufacturing workforce—over the next two fiscal years. These workforce reductions are part of a broader strategy to streamline P&G’s portfolio, supply chain, and organizational design. The company did not disclose specific locations or regional impacts at this time. P&G stated that all employee separations will be managed with support, respect, and in accordance with local laws.
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According to Midwestern Newspapers Corp., Spinrite Inc., a North American yarn and thread manufacturer, will close both its manufacturing facility and retail outlet store in Listowel, impacting 135 employees. The company stated that its Listowel office and distribution center will remain operational, while production will shift to overseas facilities. In a recent quote, Lindsay Beharry, Vice-President of Human Resources, said, “Spinrite Inc. has made the difficult decision to close the manufacturing facility and retail outlet store in Listowel. This decision was not made lightly and reflects the need to ensure long-term business sustainability in a highly competitive global market.” Local officials expressed concern for the affected workers and emphasized plans to support retraining and economic development efforts in the area.
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About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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