AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT WKW NORTH AMERICA

Pell City, Alabama-based WKW North America, a manufacturer of aluminum, steel, and plastic components for automotive and industrial use, has announced a reduction in force.

The layoff will impact 140 Alabama employees starting February 7, 2025.

While the company declined comment on the decision, it is believed that the decision was driven by the early termination of a client contract, possibly related to the turbulence in the automotive industry and the need to reduce operational costs.

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. 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, anytime, 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 INOAC EXTERIOR SYSTEMS USA

Bardstown, Kentucky-based INOAC Exterior Systems USA, a material solutions company employing polyurethane, rubber, plastics, and composites for industrial applications, has announced it is closing its unprofitable plant in Fremont, Ohio, in August of 2025.

Between 300 and 400 employees will be impacted by the closure.

The company did not comment at this time. It is believed that the disruption in the automotive sector may have contributed to the closure decision.

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. 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, anytime, 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 UNIQUE FABRICATING

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Unique Fabricating, a supplier of non-metallic die-cut parts from plastic, rubber, and foam primarily for the automotive industry, has abruptly declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy and closed its operations without prior notice.

The closure impacted 175 employees in LaFayette, Georgia. What is happening at the company's other locations in Michigan, Kentucky, Canada, and Mexico is unknown. However, in an SEC filing, the company claimed 915 full-time and 58 contract workers as of the end of 2021.

According to a statement to the SEC, "On November 8, 2023, the Company filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 7 of Title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware thereby commencing a Chapter 7 case for the Company. It is unlikely that holders of the Company’s common stock will receive any payment or other distribution on account of those shares following the bankruptcy proceedings."

That the company was facing insolvency was well known in the business press in April 2023. As well as problems with lenders, regulators, and others.

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. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. 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?