TOLEDO, Ohio — In another impact to local workers and the area economy, KUKA Toledo Production Operations LLC announced substantial job losses on Wednesday, following Stellantis' decision to permanently eliminate its afternoon shift production at the Toledo Assembly Plant.
This move by KUKA, set to take effect on Jan. 5, 2025, or within two weeks thereafter, is to result in the termination of numerous afternoon shift positions at KUKA's Stickney Avenue facility.
In a letter from Jennifer Husby, VP of human resources at KUKA USA Group, KUKA stated that it did not foresee that job losses would be necessary until recently.
Stellantis has been rotating production temporarily, causing short-term layoffs for both day and afternoon shift employees. These temporary layoffs were not anticipated to lead to permanent job losses.
However, the rotating production schedules are expected to continue from Nov. 18 to Jan. 4, 2025. After that rotation schedule ends, 160 workers are expected to permanently lose their positions. Of that total, 150 of the workers are represented by Local 12.
The affected positions are to include:
Union Represented Positions:
- 90 Production
- 15 Production Control
- 10 Quality
- 35 Skilled Trades
Non-Union Represented Positions:
- 10 Supervisory
These job losses are expected to be permanent and exceed six months. However, the day shift at the plant is not expected to be affected.
At the Toledo Assembly Complex, KUKA plays a crucial role in the production of the Wrangler and Gladiator models. The company manages body and chassis operations in collaboration with Stellantis.
This announcement follows recent layoffs at other major automotive facilities in Toledo. Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, recently announced plans to lay off up to 1,225 workers from the Toledo Assembly Complex. These layoffs, set to begin as early as Jan. 5, 2025, include 500 employees from the Gladiator lines and 639 from the Wrangler lines. The layoffs are attributed to declining sales and a shift in production patterns.
Additionally, MOBIS North America, a key supplier for Stellantis, announced it would lay off 210 employees from its Stickney Avenue plant. These layoffs, also effective Jan. 5, 2025, were attributed to a loss of customer orders.
Affected employees represented by UAW Local 12 will have bumping rights as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. For further assistance, employees are instructed to contact their union leaders.