AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT JD NORMAN

Addison, Illinois-based JD Norman Industries, manufacturer of cast, formed, and machined metal components, has announced that it will be closing its 37,000-square-foot Muncie, Indiana factory facility acquired from Henman Engineering & Machine in January 2016. Approximately 130 employees will be permanently laid off as the production of metal products is shifted to other facilities.

At the time of the original acquisition, company President and CEO Justin D. Norman said, “The vision of JD Norman is to build an organization with world class manufacturing, product leadership, geographic reach and customer diversification. The acquisition of Henman Engineering & Machine moves us closer to this vision. Henman’s product portfolio, plant locations and customers are key additions to our company and a strong strategic fit within our machined metals business unit. Henman Engineering & Machine will be fully integrated within the JD Norman business operating system. We believe our history of integrating acquisitions and operating as one company has best positioned JD Norman to perform for our customer. I am honored to welcome the highly skilled employees of Henman Engineering & Machine to the JD Norman team.”

Because the company’s customers include Tier-1 automotive manufacturers, there is some speculation that an aging facility and cut-backs in the company’s client base may have influenced the timing of this decision.

Are you wondering, Am I Next?

NO LOVE AT YOCRUNCH YOGURT

In what appears to be a routine corporate decision regarding costs and capacity, the North America subsidiary of France-based Danone announced the closure of its Naugatuck, Connecticut YoCrunch yogurt facility which will result in the loss of approximately 147 jobs.

Yogurt production under the YoCrunch brand will be moved to other Danone facilities across the country. YoCrunch’s unique selling proposition is that it offers vanilla yogurt packaged separately in the same delivery container. 

Company spokesperson Michael Neuwirth mouthed the obligatory regrets over the facility closure saying …

“We deeply regret the impact this planned closure will have on our employees and our supply partners in the community surrounding this location. We will work diligently to assist them as they look for other employment and customer opportunities both internally and externally.” 

The yogurt market is somewhat stable or growing modestly while Dannon, Chobani, and Yoplait fight it out for the top position in sales, 

Are you asking yourself, Am I Next?