AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT DART CONTAINER CORPORATION (09/28/24)

SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 — 250 EMPLOYEES GONE

The company announced that it had laid off about 250 employees, including 160 employees who worked out of its Mason headquarters.

According to CEO Keith Clark, "Growth in the packaging industry has stagnated post-pandemic. Many of our customers have experienced the impacts of inflation to their business, which affected their demand for food and beverage packaging. There’s also an influx of import competitors who are underpricing domestic manufacturers. In response, we had to make the extremely difficult decision to adjust our corporate workforce."

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 — Original post…

Mason, Michigan-based Dart Container Corporation, a manufacturer of foam cups and containers, has announced that it is planning to close its Urbana, Illinois production facility by the end of 2023.

The closure will impact 135 employees.

According to a statement from Dart’s Michigan-based corporate office, “Dart Container has made the difficult decision to cease operation by year’s end at its Urbana, Illinois manufacturing location due to declining production volume. Other Dart locations in its production and distribution network can absorb Urbana’s current volumes and customers.”

Dart CEO Keith Clark noted, “Our Urbana facility has employed hundreds of community residents since it began operations in 1972, first under Solo Cup Co. and then under Dart Container. For some, the plant provided them with their first summer job. For others, it was the start of a long career with the company. Closing this location is a necessary business decision, but it’s a painful one because we value the commitment and contributions of our Urbana employees, many of whom have been with us for decades.”

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. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT APELLIS PHARMACEUTICALS

Waltham, Massachusetts-based Apellis Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing therapeutic compounds for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has announced a corporate restructuring and reductions in its workforce and external expenses.

The decision, driven partially by products and their regulatory approvals, will impact 225 employees or approximately 25% of the company's workforce and will be substantially completed in the third quarter of 2023.

CEO and co-founder Dr. Cedric Francois noted, “We are taking important actions to strengthen our ability to invest in growth opportunities and support the Company's long-term success, including maximizing the significant opportunity with SYFOVRE. As a more focused organization, we believe these initiatives put Apellis in a stronger position to create value for shareholders and continue delivering on our mission for patients now and in the future.”

“These were difficult, but necessary, decisions. We are thankful for the commitment and contributions of our colleagues who have worked relentlessly to advance life-changing medicines for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. As we move forward, we are committed to supporting our teammates throughout this process.”

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. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT FARMERS INSURANCE

Los Angeles, California-based Farmers Insurance, a major insurer of vehicles, homes, and small businesses, has announced an organizational restructuring, cost-cutting initiative, and a reduction in its workforce.

The company's actions will impact 2,400 employees, about 11% of the company's workforce, across all lines of business.

According to Raul Vargas, CEO and President of the Farmers Group, “Given the existing conditions of the insurance industry and the impact they are having on our business, we need to take decisive actions today to better position Farmers for future success. Decisions like these are never easy, and we are committed to doing our best to support those impacted by these changes in the days and weeks to come.”

“As our industry continues to face macroeconomic challenges, we must carefully manage risk and prudently align our costs with our strategic plans for sustainable profitability. Our leaner structure will make us more nimble and better able to pursue opportunities for growth and ultimately make Farmers more responsive to the needs of our insured customers and agents. There is a bright future – for Farmers and for our industry – and it necessarily will look different than the past.”

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. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?