AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT PACKAGING CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Lake Forest, Illinois-based Packaging Corporation of America, a manufacturer of packaging material and containers, has announced a restructuring that will result in the permanent shutdown of its No. 2 paper machine and kraft pulping facilities at the Wallula, Washington mill.

The shutdown will impact 200 employees with layoffs commencing on February 9, 2026.

According to Chairman and CEO Mark Kowlzan, “We recognize the impact of decisions like this on our employees and will provide support through this process. We greatly appreciate their efforts and our decision is not a reflection on their performance. We are taking these steps to support the future viability of the mill and improve our efficiency and cost position, while continuing to invest in our future growth."

"We face a challenging and worsening cost environment at the Wallula mill. Wood fiber and purchased power costs are by far the highest in our system, making the currently configured mill no longer competitive. By operating as a single-machine, recycled mill, we will streamline operations at the facility and significantly lower our cost of production, while continuing to produce high-quality containerboard for our plants and customers. We have significantly invested in the W3 machine and its capabilities after we converted it to containerboard in 2018. Moving some production to lower-cost PCA facilities where we are investing in production improvements will further optimize our mill system, resulting in even greater efficiencies.”

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 MAUSER PACKAGING

Oak Brook, Illinois-based Mauser Packaging, an industrial rigid packaging solutions provider, including drums, pails, and can containers, has announced the closure of its striking Chicago Little Village plant.

The closure will impact 168 employees, commencing on November 21, 2025.

With no comment on striking workers, a spokesperson noted, "The closure comes after a 'thoughtful evaluation' as this Chicago site faced 'a range of operational challenges' and shifting market dynamics, such as lower demand and heightened competition, the spokesperson said. The company therefore determined this site 'no longer aligned with our broader strategy to optimize resources and efficiently allocate capital for the benefit of both our company and our customers.'”

President and CEO Mark Burgess commented, “Closing this facility was not an easy decision, especially knowing the effect it has on our team members, their families, and the surrounding community.”

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?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT SILGAN CONTAINERS

Stamford, Connecticut-based Silgan Containers, a major manufacturer of metal food cans and containers, has announced it is implementing layoffs and a facility closure, affecting workers in Wisconsin and California.

The personnel realignment will affect 150 employees at two locations in Modesto, California, and is scheduled to take place on October 2, 2026. According to published reports, the decision was driven by current business conditions and a reduced demand for canned food.

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?