Three Major Companies Close Massachusetts Facilities; 250 Workers Affected
Three significant companies are set to close facilities in Massachusetts, impacting approximately 250 workers. The closures involve Panera, Zipcar, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, each with distinct reasons for their layoffs.
Panera Closes Franklin Bakery
Panera Bread is shuttering its “fresh dough facility” located in Franklin, affecting 92 employees. This decision aligns with the company’s shift to a new “bakery-operating model” across the country.
- Closure date: March 27
- Employee Impact: 92 workers laid off
Under this new model, Panera will now source half-baked items from various bakery producers instead of delivering fresh bread daily. The company expressed its commitment to support affected team members through this transition, providing access to resources and career opportunities.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Layoffs
Another closure will occur at a Thermo Fisher Scientific facility, also in Franklin. This will affect a total of 103 employees, with layoffs scheduled between December 31, 2026, and December 31, 2027.
- Employee Impact: 103 workers affected
- Closure Timeline: End of 2026 to end of 2027
A spokesperson indicated that up to 80 employees might be relocated to other facilities in Massachusetts. The company mentioned that such decisions are never made lightly, aiming instead to enhance service to customers and ensure long-term growth.
Zipcar Office Closure in Boston
In Boston, Zipcar is closing its corporate office, which will lead to 126 layoffs, including 65 local employees and 61 remote workers. The layoffs are set to begin on April 1.
- Employee Impact: 126 people laid off
- Closure Date: April 1
As part of Avis Budget Group’s strategy, Zipcar will consolidate corporate operations in New Jersey. However, regional field and fleet operations will remain in Boston, ensuring continuity of service for its members.
Additional Closures in Massachusetts
Additionally, the Cape Cod chips factory in Hyannis, operational since 1985, will close, resulting in 49 layoffs. These recent developments highlight ongoing challenges in the Massachusetts job market.
In summary, the closures of these three major companies will have a significant impact on local employment, affecting a total of approximately 250 workers across different sectors in Massachusetts.
