AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Arcadia, Wisconsin-based Ashley Furniture Industries, a home furnishings manufacturer and retailer, has announced a major restructuring and is shutting down its manufacturing operations at its Mesquite, Texas, manufacturing facility. Operations will be consolidated into other company facilities.

The restructuring will impact 266 employees, including 109 upholstery training workers, 31 machine operators, 24 packing employees, and additional cuts to inspectors, quality supervisors, and material handlers, and is scheduled on or about May 7, 2026.

According to a spokesperson, "Ashley is consolidating manufacturing operations at its Mesquite, Texas facility with production at other Ashley manufacturing locations. Manufacturing operations at the Mesquite facility will conclude on May 7, 2026."

"This decision reflects Ashley’s ongoing efforts to optimize its manufacturing footprint, vertically integrate its facilities and strengthen long-term operational efficiency. It reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to customers worldwide, while continuing to adapt, grow and operate more efficiently in a dynamic and ever-changing industry."

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 KROEHLER FURNITURE COMPANY

Conover, North Carolina-based Kroehler Furniture Company, a furniture manufacturing subsidiary of American Signature, has announced the closure of its Conover facility following its parent's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The closure impacted 208 employees. The company was known for designing and manufacturing sofas, sectionals, chairs, and related pieces, mainly for American Signature's Value City Furniture brand.

According to a letter to employees, “This confirms that Kroehler Furniture Co. has determined that it will be closing its facility located at 1800 Conover Bld E, Conover, NC 28613, due to a significant reduction in business, resulting from its parent company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Regrettably, your employment will be terminated as part of this closing."

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 SAUDER WOODWORKING

Archbold, Ohio-based Sauder Woodworking, a producer of ready-to-assemble furniture, has initiated a reduction in force to counter the effects of a significant drop in sales.

The reduction will impact 150 employees.

EVP Dan Sauder noted, "We've had to make some adjustments to our employment levels to react to the sales drop. So we have reduced a couple shifts and we've had to reduce our staffing. Although the fallout has been swift here at Sauder Woodworking, OhioMeansJobs of Fulton County partnered with Sauder Woodworking to assist with the transition of the layoffs."

Progressive Furniture, a Claremont, North Carolina–based subsidiary of Sauder Woodworking, will cease all operations by the end of 2025, resulting in the layoff of about 30 employees. The decision stems from the loss of its primary supplier in Mexico, which provided roughly 60% of its product line, compounded by ongoing supply chain disruptions, challenging business conditions, rising tariffs, and weak consumer demand.

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, 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?