Layoffs, bankruptcies batter U.S. logistics and manufacturing at start of 2026

Core Insights - The U.S. logistics, manufacturing, and supply-chain sectors are experiencing significant layoffs, facility closures, and bankruptcy filings, affecting over 2,200 workers nationwide as companies face challenges such as lost contracts, high costs, excess capacity, and tighter credit conditions [6]. Company-Specific Summaries - Kroehler Furniture Co. has permanently closed its manufacturing facility in Conover, North Carolina, resulting in the layoff of more than 275 employees as part of a restructuring to improve long-term viability amid high wood fiber and energy costs [1]. - Packaging Corporation of America plans to lay off about 200 employees at its containerboard mill in Wallula, Washington, following the permanent shutdown of a paper machine and kraft pulping operations [2]. - AVI Food Systems is set to lay off 297 employees in Philadelphia due to a facility closure, impacting large institutional foodservice operations [4]. - RailCrew Xpress is laying off over 400 employees across multiple states after losing a major contract with CSX [5]. - I Squared Logistics has laid off 160 workers in North Carolina after abruptly shutting down operations as an Amazon delivery service partner [8]. - The Giant Co. plans to close five e-commerce fulfillment centers in Pennsylvania, resulting in the layoff of 128 workers [9]. - United Parcel Service is closing a distribution facility in Montgomery, Alabama, leading to the layoff of 128 employees as part of a broader restructuring [11]. - Comprehensive Logistics laid off 105 workers in Georgia after losing a major contract [12]. - Archer Daniels Midland will close its Memphis facility, resulting in the layoff of 95 employees as part of a new joint venture [13]. - FedEx is laying off 89 employees at a facility in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of its multiyear Network 2.0 reorganization [14]. - Microplastics Inc. has laid off 86 employees and shut down its Illinois plant amid asset sale negotiations [15]. - Post Consumer Brands is cutting 71 jobs at its Michigan cereal plant after halting production of several product lines [16]. - U.S. Endodontics is laying off 70 workers from its Tennessee facility, with no reason provided for the reduction [17]. - GNC is laying off 66 workers from its Phoenix distribution center, with no disclosed reason [18]. - United Piston Ring is closing its Wisconsin plant, resulting in the layoff of about 60 employees as part of a restructuring [19]. - Ryder Integrated Logistics is laying off 59 employees following the closure of a facility in Illinois [20]. - Ample Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid severe cash shortages, reducing its workforce from approximately 120-160 to just a few employees [21][22]. - FlexShopper Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, reporting less than $1 million in assets and liabilities ranging from $100 million to $500 million [23][24]. - Food52 Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing sustained cash burn and declining demand, with revenue dropping from approximately $160 million in 2021 to about $74.7 million in 2024 [26][28].