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?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SOLERO TECHNOLOGIES

Rochester Hills, Michigan-based Solero Technologies, an automotive components supplier that designs and manufactures solenoid valves and actuator solutions, has announced the closure of its Shelby, North Carolina, plant by the end of 2026.

The interim reduction in force will impact 102 employees between November 28, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

According to a company spokesperson, “The WARN notice filed on September 29 by Solero for its facility in Shelby, North Carolina, is related to a decision the company made following its acquisition of Netherlands-based Kendrion’s automotive business last October. That acquisition included the Kendrion Automotive facility in Shelby, North Carolina, that currently employs 102 workers. All of the workers at the plant, along with key community stakeholders, were informed last year about the company’s plans to eventually close the facility. At the time, we communicated the need to restructure Shelby’s operations and integrate them into Solero’s existing manufacturing footprint over the next 18 to 24 months. That decision was necessary to align with the evolving needs of Solero in a very competitive market and best position our company for future growth."

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?