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In 2023, Packaging Dive tracked at least 9,000 packaging-related jobs affected by manufacturing closures and layoffs. That manufacturing footprint shifts have continued into 2024: January reports indicate at least 725 total packaging manufacturing jobs are to be affected by additional planned closures.
- Crown Holdings will close a plant in Warrensburg, Illinois, and lay off 40 employees, according to a Jan. 19 notice received by the state. Layoffs are slated to begin March 8. Separately, a local news publication in Mississippi reported this month that a Crown facility with approximately 150 full-time employees in Batesville is expected to cease production March 29.
- Dallas Plastics, a Texas-based blown film extruder, planned to close a plant in Wentzville, Missouri, Plastics News reported Jan. 3. The private equity-owned company’s products include bags on rolls.
- Graphic Packaging International announced upcoming facility closures in Massachusetts, Michigan and North Carolina. GPI expects 71 layoffs to occur between March 12 and March 26 in Lowell, Massachusetts, per a notice to the state. In the city of Wyoming, Michigan, a permanent converting facility closure will affect 111 jobs. Meanwhile, the planned closure of a folding carton production site in Charlotte, North Carolina, will affect 112 jobs. That closure is expected to begin around March 31 and to be completed in the second quarter.
- WestRock disclosed forthcoming plant closures in North Carolina and Washington. The company will close a facility in Lexington, North Carolina, that produces healthcare packaging. A WARN letter filed Jan. 17 indicated 153 jobs will be affected. The earliest date for layoffs would be March 18, and operations are expected to cease mid-May. In Seattle, the company expects a corrugated box plant’s closure will begin in March and be completed in May, affecting 88 employees.
