AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS (03/31/24)

MARCH 31, 2024 — CLOSURE OF WINONA PLANT

The company has announced the closure of its Winona, Minnesota, manufacturing facility in the second half of 2024. The facility manufactures automotive keyless entry system components and assemblies.

The closure will impact 123 workers.

According to plant manager Aaron MacLennan, “It is anticipated that approximately 123 hourly and salaried employees will be affected by the ‘mass layoff’ which will occur in phases with layoffs expected to begin Q3/Q4. This ‘mass layoff’ and plant closure is considered permanent.”

DECEMBER 8, 2020 — Original post…

Farmington, Michigan-based BCS Automotive Interface Solutions, an automotive supplier specializing in controls systems for vehicle interiors, including access systems such as electronic and mechanical steering column locks, passive entry systems, and remote keyless entry systems, has announced 135 employee layoffs and the permanent closure of its 62,500 square-foot auto parts plant in Aurelius, New York on February 28, 2021.

The decision was a business matter involving the consolidation of manufacturing and a slowdown in the global automotive industry.

Employees were warned about the plant's closure in March 2020 after a 2019 company facilities study that examined the potential transfer of product manufacturing and closure of one or more of the company's manufacturing sites. The company's workload will be distributed to other company facilities.

According to a company spokesperson, “Decisions that have such a profound and direct impact on the lives of our employees and their families are extraordinarily difficult. Unfortunately, this action is necessary for the long-term health of BCS Automotive Interface Solutions."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT TENNECO (11/20/22)

NOVEMBER 20, 2022— PLANY CLOSURE IN JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA

The company has announced the closure of its ride control and emissions products plant n Jeffersonville, Indiana impacting 123 employees in stages until the plant closes in February 2023.

According to the company, the closure is due to the loss of business that generates approximately 22% of the revenue at the Jeffersonville location.

JULY 3, 2022 — IT BEGINS

Layoffs at the Tenneco plant in Kettering have begun as the facility moves toward fully and permanently closing in November 2021.

According to a company spokesperson, “As part of our previously announced plan to close the Kettering facility by the end of 2023, we are eliminating some positions this week, affecting 54 team members.”

NOVEMBER 11, 2021 — PLANT CLOSURE IN KETTERING, OHIO PLANNED.

The company has announced its intention to close its Kettering, Ohio shock absorber manufacturing facility before the end of 2023. The closure will impact approximately 648 employees.

According to a company spokesperson, “This difficult decision is part of the company’s need to realign its manufacturing footprint to respond to changing market conditions and capacity requirements. This is a great team in Kettering and we recognize the impact this action will have on our team members. We will work to provide transition assistance for all affected team members, including some opportunities to transfer to other Tenneco locations.

OCTOBER 28, 2020 — Original post…

Lake Forest, Illinois-based Tenneco, a manufacturer of automotive components including original and aftermarket equipment, has announced the layoff of 350 employees located at the company's piston manufacturing facility in South Bend, Indiana. The work will be distributed to other Tenneco facilities.

The 260,000 square-foot facility was acquired from federal Mogul two years ago and now represents excess space that may be available for lease or sales.

According to a company spokesperson, the decision was “difficult, but necessary” occasioned by the status of the market for the company's piston products. “This particular action isn’t related to current market conditions. We have a systemic profitability challenge we have to correct.”

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT COOPER STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE

Novi, Michigan-based Cooper Standard Automotive, a supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry, has announced the lay off of 86 employees at the company's Surgoinsville, Tennesee plant.

Cooper Standard was named a GM Supplier of the Year by General Motors in June, 2020 for the company's production of high-quality fuel and brake systems for the Colorado, Canyon, Acadia and Cadillac XT5.

Cooper Standard Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Edwards noted, "We believe the challenging market conditions that have persisted for the last 18 to 24 months are the new normal for the auto industry. In an environment of slow to negative growth, we have to be more focused than ever before on improving efficiency, providing world-class quality service and innovation to customers, and driving the business to improve cash flow and returns on invested capital. And, we are. In addition to the facility closures, the company is in the midst of a strategic review process to consider alternatives for other unprofitable operations. Details will be provided as decisions are finalized."

According to the company's second-quarter posting, "The Company remains focused on reducing ongoing costs through improved operating efficiency and the further rightsizing of its operating footprint and overhead expenses. As previously announced, two manufacturing facilities were scheduled to be closed in 2020. During the second quarter, an additional technical facility was added to the list of planned closures in 2020. One of the manufacturing plant closures has been completed. The closure of the second manufacturing facility and the technical facility are on track to be completed later this year."

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?