AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT IG DESIGN GROUP AMERICAS

Atlanta, Georgia-based IG Design Group Americas, a manufacturer and distributor of celebrations, stationery, creative play, and gifting products, has announced a major reduction in force.

The reduction will impact 20 employees located in Shorewood, Illinois, effective August 26, 2025.

The reduction will also impact 112 employees in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, effective August 26, 2025.

It is believed that the decision was driven by the company's Buckinghamshire, England-based parent who allegedly sold the Americas operation to London-based private equity firm Hilco Capital for $1 on May 30, 2025.

According to a statement, "The company sold off its American division in May to a London-based private equity company after months of financial turmoil following the bankruptcy of one of its largest clients and “significant pressure and uncertainty from the new trade tariffs imposed in the U.S.

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 PIXELLE SPECIALTY SOLUTIONS

Spring Grove, Pennsylvania-based Pixelle Specialty Solutions, a manufacturer of specialty papers, including release papers, thermal labels, food and beverage labels, food packaging papers, inkjet papers, casting liners, book papers, carbonless and forms, security papers, envelope and converting papers, and various niche products, has announced the closure of its Chillicothe, Ohio paper mill.

The closure will impact 800 employees.

According to President and CEO Ross Bushnell, "Pixelle Specialty Solutions extends our deepest gratitude to the Chillicothe community. For decades, this community has been home to a dedicated workforce and a supportive network of families, businesses, and leaders. The decision to close the Chillicothe mill was not made lightly. While we must transition away from operations in Chillicothe, we recognize and honor the generations of talent, innovation, and commitment that made this mill a vital part of the region's industrial legacy."

"We are committed to ensuring a responsible closure and supporting our employees and their families as they move forward. Thank you, Chillicothe, for your partnership, resilience, and the pride you have shown in being part of Pixelle's story."

"The closure of the Chillicothe mill is a difficult but necessary decision due to unsustainable financial challenges at the Chillicothe location. The result will leave us with a business that is better positioned to ensure that we maintain our competitive position in the marketplace."

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 WILLAMETTE FALLS PAPER COMPANY

West Linn, Oregon-based Willamette Falls Paper Company, a paper manufacturing company, has announced a mass layoff in the face of a possible closure of the company's paper mill located in West Linn, Oregon and produces envelopes and paper for magazines, mass mailings and gift wrapping. The company is seeking an investor or buyer to fund continuing operations.

The reduction in force will impact 158 employees, but an additional 65 employees will be impacted if the paper mill is idled or closed.

According to President Brian Konen, “While it is hoped that this will be a temporary layoff and a buyer will want to continue the plant’s operations and hire our employees, if Willamette Falls Paper Company, Inc. is unable to raise capital or sell its assets, the mass layoff will be permanent, and we will close the plant.”

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. 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?