AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT YANFENG

Novi, Michigan-based Yanfeng, a manufacturer of automotive interior, exterior, seating, cockpit electronics, and passive safety components, has announced the closure of its Romulus, Michigan production facility, with work being transferred to other company facilities.

The closure will impact 192 employees, mainly assembly personnel, with separations scheduled on January 5, 2026.

According to a company spokesperson, "The layoff is necessary due to work being moved from the Romulus site to other Yanfeng facilities. If any opportunity to relocate employees presents itself, we will extend such offers at the time they become available."

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT AUTOKINITION

New Boston, Michigan-based Autokiniton, a Tier 1 automotive supplier specializing in metal stampings and welded assemblies, has announced the closure of five of its Oakland Stamping plants in Detroit, Michigan.

The closures will impact 165 employees: 133 will be laid off between December 5, 2025, and December 19, 2025, and another 32 will be separated starting January 16, 2026.

It appears the decision was driven by business conditions, including weaker consumer demand due to economic uncertainty, idling of major automotive production lines, tariffs, and transitions to electric vehicles. According to some employees, the closure is the result of a business decision made after the company evaluated its plant portfolio.

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT OSHKOSH DEFENSE

Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense, a supplier of military vehicles, systems, and components, has announced a reduction in force.

The reduction will impact 160 employees.

According to a company statement, "Despite proactive measures to expand available work and retain our skilled team members, including upskilling programs, insourcing efforts, and voluntary reductions, we continue to experience overstaffing in certain production areas. As a result, we will implement an involuntary layoff impacting up to approximately 160 production positions, effective January 5, 2026."

"This difficult decision was made only after careful consideration of all available options. Impacted team members will be provided with information, resources, and transition support to assist them during this process. Oshkosh Defense remains committed to supporting our people and delivering the highest quality products in support of our U.S. military and allied partners around the world."

It appears the reduction may be linked to the completion of phase one of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and the failure to secure a follow-on contract for phase two.

Change is constant, and it is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?