AM I NEXT? IS THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL AT IBM AS THEY SPINOFF KYNDRYL

Am I Next? IBM spins off services group into Kyndryl.

Armonk, New York-based IBM, the iconic computer manufacturer, software developer, and technology services provider, has announced the spinoff of its "Independent Managed Infrastructure Services Business" into a new entity to be named Kyndryl by the end of 2021. The new company will be headquartered in New York City, New York.

In announcing the spinnoff, the enterprise was described as a service company that "designs, runs and modernizes the critical technology infrastructure of the world's most important businesses and institutions."

In his best corporate-speak, the first Chief Executive Officer of Kyndryl, Martin Schroeter, said, "Kyndryl evokes the spirit of true partnership and growth. Customers around the world will come to know Kyndryl as a brand that runs the vital systems at the heart of progress, and an independent company with the best global talent in the industry. The decision to base our corporate team in one of the world's most vibrant and global urban centers underscores our commitment to the economic health of cities."

This split may impact the workforce in unknown ways as employees are split between the companies.

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? IS THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL AT TRIBUNE PUBLISHING

Am I Next? Is Tribune Publishing for Sale?

Chicago, Ilinois-based Tribune Publishing Company, a newspaper print, and online media publishing company, is in play.

Caught between a hedge fund, New York-based Alden Global Capital, and a billionaire Maryland-based hotel magnate, Stewart Bainum, one thing is certain, the employees are faced with restructuring, divestiture, cost-cutting, and increased automation.

Allegedly there was a side deal with Alden Chief Executive Heath Freeman where Bainum could purchase the Baltimore Sun. A fight over terms ensued and Bainum tried to purchase the entire company.

According to a Bainum spokesperson, "No one is going to squeeze Stewart Bainum. When he makes a deal, he sticks to it. Anyone who tries to change the terms is messing with the wrong guy.”

Mr. Bainum allegedly bid $680 million bid against Alden's $635 million. As the price rises, so does the need for consolidation and aggressive cost-cutting to allow for an adequate return on investment. Or, the alternative, each party keeps what they want and divests the remaining pieces of the corporation.

The wild-card is the owner of the Los Angeles Times, Patrick Soon-Shiong, with about 25% of Tribune stock.

Considering the decline in print media and the rise of near real-time citizen journalism, there is also the possibility that the company can be turned into a tax-advantaged foundation.

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 CARGILL (12/03/24)

Am I Next? Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate restructuring.

DECEMBER 3, 2024 — MAJOR RESTRUCTURING WITH 5% REDUCTION IN FORCE

The company has announced a significant restructuring that will impact about 5% of its workforce as part of its 2030 restructuring strategy. Approximately 8,000 employees will be affected.

According to CEO Brian Sikes, “The majority of these reductions will take place this year. They’ll focus on streamlining our organizational structure by removing layers, expanding the scope and responsibilities of our managers, and reducing duplication of work.”

“We have to simplify and streamline our operations, improve the speed and efficiency of our work, more competitively manage our costs and capital, and respond to asks from you and our customers to be an easier company to work for and with, Cargill can be the world’s most consequential food and agriculture company. And before the end of this decade, we will.”

JUNE 13, 2024 — 178 EMPLOYEES IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA

Cargill Meat Solutions will lay off 178 employees after its Fresno operation was acquired by Hanford, California-based Central Valley Meat to expand its own operations. Separations are expected to occur on August 4, 2024.

According to a company spokesperson, “We are sad to see the people impacts and are committed to providing support and resources.”

JANUARY 30, 2024 — 111 IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. expects to lay off 111 people at its facility in Nashville, Tennesee.

A company spokesperson noted that the company’s North American protein business would move production for most of its crumbles product line from Nashville, Tennessee to Columbus, Nebraska, and Fort Worth, Texas facilities.

“In doing so, we’ll maximize production of cooked items used in prepared foods, such as pizza, burritos, soups, and hot snacks, for our customers. And we’ll position Cargill’s value-added protein portfolio for stronger, longer-term growth.”

“This was a challenging decision given its people impact. However, we are confident in the care and support we are providing, as well as that it is the right move to make for the future of our business. We will continue to produce pepperoni from Nashville, and there will be no disruption in delivering any of our cooked crumbles products to our customers during this transition.”

APRIL 23, 2021— Original post…

Wayzata, Minnesota-based Cargill, the global commodity and food producer, has announced that Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, a supplier of high quality cocoa and chocolate products, will be relocating some operations from its Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility to the company's other plants and outsource part of its packaging and shipping operation to a third-party vendor.

According to a company filing, "The Company has made the decision to simplify operations and focus on our core activities of making chocolate and molding. As a result, we are permanently discontinuing the operation of liquor grinding, dry grind, and retail packaging at the Milwaukee facility.

This reduction in force is expected to result in the permanent elimination of approximately 80 positions – 12 salaried and 68 hourly positions. The Company expects to begin the process of winding down the operations that will be discontinued soon and for positions to be eliminated on or around June 5, 2021."

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?