Injection molder Grand Rapids Plastics announced it will permanently lay off 85 employees following contract cancellations by its main customer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The layoffs at its Grand Rapids campus were slated to occur in two waves: Feb. 24 and the two weeks after, and May 6 and the two weeks after, according to a notice the company filed with the Michigan Workforce Development Agency.
“Unfortunately, this sudden, dramatic, and unexpected action was unforeseeable, without notice, and outside of Grand Rapids Plastics' control,” the letter reads. “This is the reason that Grand Rapids Plastics was unable to give sixty (60) days advance notice of all layoffs.”
FCA US provided the following statement: “FCA US has worked closely with Grand Rapids Plastics over the past 18 months and has provided them with both financial and operational support during this period. We continue to remain in close contact with the management team as they explore options regarding a restructuring plan.”
FCA declined to provide further details. Grand Rapids Plastics did not respond to a request for comment.
