Layoffs Hit Transport, Logistics, Manufacturing Sectors Before Holidays

Recent layoffs have significantly impacted the transport, logistics, and manufacturing sectors, just ahead of the holiday season. Over the past five weeks, at least 11,934 workers have lost their jobs, according to state filings, company announcements, and news reports. The actual number could be higher, as many companies have described their cuts as ongoing or without final totals.

Major Layoffs Across Sectors

Several companies have announced large-scale layoffs fueled by operational restructuring and changing market demands:

• Kroger: Plans to close three automated fulfillment centers in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; Frederick, Maryland; and Groveland, Florida, in January 2026, affecting over 1,000 employees.
• Baker & Taylor: The library supplier will cease operations by the end of the year, laying off approximately 1,500 employees across distribution centers in Georgia, New Jersey, and North Carolina.
• Frito-Lay: The closure of two facilities in Orlando, Florida, will see around 500 laid-off workers; the cuts are set for May 9.
• Renfro Brands: The company will close its Fort Payne, Alabama facility, affecting 455 jobs, with layoffs starting December 27.
• Fanatics: A distribution center near Tampa, Florida, will close by July 31, resulting in 286 layoffs.
• HD Supply: A distribution center in La Vergne, Tennessee, will close by January 9, impacting 108 workers.

Automotive Industry Cuts

The automotive sector is also experiencing significant layoffs:

• General Motors: Scheduled to lay off 1,140 employees at its Factory Zero site in Detroit starting January 5 due to adjustments in production schedules.
• Tyson Foods: Plans to close its beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, impacting around 3,000 jobs, with closure set for January. An additional 1,700 employees will be affected by shift reductions at its Amarillo, Texas plant.
• Yanfeng: A production facility in Romulus, Michigan, will shut down by the end of January, affecting 192 workers.

Impact on Food and Manufacturing Sectors

Other closures in food processing and manufacturing are also noteworthy:

• Braga Fresh Foods: A facility in Salinas, California, will lay off 260 employees due to recent acquisitions, with the closure slated for April 2026.
• Georgia-Pacific: A corrugated box plant in Mt. Olive, Illinois will close by December 31, resulting in 134 layoffs.
• Marvin Lumber and Cedar Co.: The Florida facility will lay off 167 employees by April as part of its planned closure.
• Monarch Tractor: The company may lay off 102 employees as it considers operational changes, amid financial uncertainty.

As businesses adjust to changing economic conditions, the wave of layoffs is a stark reminder of the challenges faced across multiple sectors. The impact of these job losses will likely reverberate through communities ahead of the holidays.