AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT MERCEDES-BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sandy Springs, Georgia-based Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, the captive financial arm of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, providing specialized financing, leasing, insurance, and mobility solutions for Mercedes-Benz car and van customers and dealers in various countries, has announced a major reduction in force as it relocates it headquarters and operations from Farmington Hills, Michigan, to Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The relocation will impact 157 employees, out of 265 who chose not to relocate or who accepted other jobs within the organization.

According to a company spokesperson, "We are deeply appreciative of the years of support from the metro Detroit community and the contributions of our talented team members. Mercedes-Benz is providing full support to all affected employees, whether they choose to make the move to Atlanta or not."

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 MARE ISLAND DRY DOCK

Vallejo, California-based Mare Island Dry Dock, a ship repair and refurbishment facility, has announced that it will cease operations and close permanently after the loss of a critical U.S. Coast Guard contract that had an immediate and material impact on the company’s financial stability. "The company determined that continuing operations was no longer viable.”

The closure will impact 80 full-time employees and an unknown number of subcontractors.

According to a company statement, "After 12 incredible years, the difficult decision was made to close the doors at Mare Island Dry Dock due to unfortunate circumstances beyond our control."

"This company was built on hard work, long days, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to getting the job done right. Along the way, we were fortunate to work with an amazing group of employees, customers, vendors, and friends who believed in us and supported what we were building. You became more than business contacts — you became part of our story."

"The outpouring of support from the community on social media has been truly overwhelming and deeply appreciated. Your kind words, messages, and shared memories have meant more to us than we can express."

"We are truly grateful for the relationships, memories, and trust you shared with us over the years. Thank you for being part of our journey and allowing us to be part of yours."

According to a Coast Guard Statement, "On December 11, 2025, the Coast Guard awarded a contract to provide dry dock repairs for Coast Guard Cutter HEALY, a medium icebreaker. These repairs are essential to ensuring the vessel can safely and effectively support operations in the U.S. Arctic Region and advance national security objectives. Following a competitive procurement process conducted in accordance with federal acquisitions regulations, Vigor Marine Group was determined to provide the best value to the government based on the Coast Guard's stated technical and performance requirements. Federal law prohibits the disclosure of contractor bid and proposal information."

It is likely that the financial instability of Mare Island Dry Dock played a significant role in the decision.

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?