Factory fallout: Manufacturing plant closures and layoffs from Wolfspeed, ArcelorMittal, Genentech. 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 Shaw Local News Network, electronics manufacturer Ametek Inc. will permanently close its St. Charles, Illinois plant that produces custom motion control solutions, resulting in the loss of 167 jobs. The layoffs at Ametek Bison Gear & Engineering, Inc., located at 3850 Ohio Ave., will begin on July 21. The closure comes two years after Ametek acquired Bison Gear, and the layoffs were disclosed in a state WARN report.
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According to The Carolina Journal, semiconductor manufacturer Wolfspeed is laying off 73 workers at its new materials factory in Siler City, with the cuts scheduled for August 9. The layoffs come weeks after the company announced plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid financial struggles and growing concern risks. These reductions follow earlier announcements that Wolfspeed would close its 150mm production facility in Durham, shutter operations in Farmers Branch, Texas, and suspend plans in Germany. Overall, the company has reduced its workforce by about 25% since last year, impacting multiple locations.
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According to CBC News, steelmaker ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada is permanently closing its wire drawing mill in Hamilton, impacting 153 workers as operations are consolidated in Montreal. The Hamilton facility, which produces wire for items such as springs and fasteners, will shut down in the coming weeks due to economic challenges and increased steel imports. While it's not yet clear how many employees will be laid off or offered transfers, a joint union-employer committee will determine next steps. The company cited an annual loss of $2.6 million at the site and emphasized its focus on supporting affected workers.
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According to Fierce Biotech, Genentech is laying off 143 employees at its headquarters in South San Francisco, with the workforce reduction set to be completed by July 14. The affected roles span several departments, though specific positions were not disclosed. In a recent quote, a Genentech spokesperson said, “The success and sustained growth of our business hinges on our ability to proactively identify innovation opportunities early and adapt to a changing external environment. This requires us to allocate and sometimes shift resources judiciously to enhance operational efficiency.” The company attributed the layoffs to efforts aimed at enhancing operational efficiency amid broader restructuring initiatives.
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According to MLive, Pratt Industries, a corrugated packaging company, will lay off 53 employees at its converting and transportation center in Livonia, Michigan, effective August 10. The layoffs follow a reduction in business after Ford ended its relationship with the company. Pratt Industries operates three locations in Michigan, including the Livonia facility, as well as sites in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
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