Mass layoff: Michigan Manufacturer lays off staff and plans to relocate out of state.

Photo byChristian ErfurtonUnsplash

Tubelite, a prominent manufacturing facility located in Walker, Kent County, has issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice to Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, detailing the phased layoff of 106 employees. This action is part of the company's broader strategy to relocate its operations out of Michigan, under the guidance of its parent company, Apogee Enterprises. The decision to move and reduce its workforce is encapsulated in Apogee's strategic initiative, "Project Fortify," aimed at refining the company's cost structure and focusing on higher-margin opportunities.

WARN Notice Details

The WARN notice outlines a detailed timeline for the layoffs, which are set to occur in four distinct phases between April and August of this year:

• April 21: The first phase will see 32 employees laid off.
• May 31: The second phase will significantly impact the workforce, with 68 employees being laid off.
• August 2: A smaller group of 5 employees will be laid off in the third phase.
• August 30: The final phase will involve the layoff of 1 employee, concluding the series of workforce reductions.

These layoffs are a part of Apogee Enterprises' estimated workforce reduction of 250 employees across its operations. Tubelite, known for its storefronts and entrances, has been a fixture in Kent County's business community since 1945. The WARN notice marks a significant shift for Tubelite, signaling the end of its long-standing operations in Michigan and impacting the local economy and workforce.