Layoffs in Ohio surge as nearly 2,000 await job cuts in the coming months, signaling the continuation trend as seen in 2023 and 2024.
This wave of layoffs, tracked through the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act filings, underscores the economic challenges confronting the state as businesses adjust to shifting market demands, technological disruptions, and global competition.
As Ohio braces for these job losses, it’s critical to understand the scope, implications, and resources available to affected workers.
Under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, employers with more than 100 full-time employees are required to provide a 60-day advance notice before laying off 50 or more workers at a single location.
These notices must be filed with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), ensuring transparency and giving workers time to prepare for the transition.
The WARN Act serves as a vital tool for tracking layoffs, offering insights into which industries and communities are most affected.
The Scope of Ohio’s 2025 Layoffs
According to data from WARNTracker.com, a platform that aggregates WARN notices from state government agencies, news sources, and other layoff trackers, Ohio is set to experience significant job cuts in the coming months.
Which companies are laying off in Ohio soon?
Below is a list of the publicly disclosed businesses laying off in Ohio between May and June of 2025 so far:
- INOAC Exterior Systems, LLC. – 70 Job cuts by 6/16.
- Pixelle Specialty Solutions – 1,000 job cuts by 6/13.
- Metalco USA, LLC – 100 job cuts by 6/5.
- Washington Prime Group – 250 job cuts by 6/2.
- Graphic Packaging International, LLC. – 250 layoffs by 5/31.
- BH Security – 10 job cuts by 6/30.
- Compass Group USA – 100 layoffs by 5/5.
- American Freight – 50 job cuts by 5/1.
Ohio’s layoffs are particularly concerning because they disproportionately affect certain regions and industries.
For example, manufacturing, a cornerstone of Ohio’s economy, has faced persistent challenges due to automation, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in consumer demand.
Similarly, retail and tech sectors are undergoing restructuring as companies adapt to e-commerce growth and artificial intelligence advancements.
A total of 5,258 employees have been laid off across 35 businesses according to the latest WARN data at the time of this writing.
The WARN notices filed with ODJFS provide a glimpse into the companies involved.
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Why WARN Notices Matter
The WARN Act, enacted in 1988, is designed to protect workers, their families, and communities by ensuring advance notice of significant layoffs or plant closures.
Employers must notify affected employees, their representatives, the state’s dislocated worker unit, and local government officials at least 60 days before the layoffs occur.
In Ohio, these notices are submitted to ODJFS, which compiles and publishes them to inform the public and trigger support services for displaced workers.
However, some states, including Ohio, have their own “mini-WARN” laws that impose additional requirements.
While the federal WARN Act applies to employers with 100 or more employees, state-specific regulations may cover smaller businesses or mandate longer notice periods.
However, not all layoffs are captured in WARN notices, as smaller-scale job cuts or those in states without stringent reporting requirements may go unreported.
The advance notice period is crucial for workers, giving them time to seek new employment, access retraining programs, or explore other opportunities.
It also allows local governments and workforce development agencies to mobilize resources, such as job fairs, career counseling, and financial assistance, to mitigate the economic impact on affected communities.
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Industries and Communities at Risk
Ohio’s economy is diverse, with strong roots in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology.
However, the layoffs scheduled for May and June 2025 are hitting specific sectors harder than others.
Based on historical trends from 2023 and 2024, manufacturing plants in cities like Cleveland, Toledo, and Akron are particularly vulnerable.
These areas have seen significant job losses in recent years, with companies citing cost-cutting measures and global competition as primary drivers.
The retail sector is another area of concern, as brick-and-mortar stores continue to struggle against online giants.
WARN notices from previous years, such as those involving David’s Bridal in 2023, highlight the retail industry’s volatility, with job cuts often affecting multiple locations across the state.
Technology, while a growing sector in Ohio, is not immune, as companies streamline operations or shift toward automation.
Geographically, urban centers like Cuyahoga, Lucas, and Summit counties are likely to bear the brunt of these layoffs, given their concentration of large employers.
Rural areas, however, are not spared, as smaller manufacturing facilities and retail outlets face similar pressures.
The variance in layoff rates across states is notable—while Ohio’s per capita layoff rate is significant, it is lower than states like Washington, where 2.3 out of every thousand residents were laid off in 2023, compared to Oklahoma’s 0.1 per thousand.
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The Human and Economic Impact
The nearly 2,000 job cuts in Ohio represent more than just numbers—they signify personal and community-wide challenges.
For workers, layoffs can lead to financial instability, loss of health insurance, and emotional stress.
Families may face difficult decisions, such as relocating for new job opportunities or cutting back on essential expenses.
Communities, particularly those reliant on a single large employer, risk economic stagnation as local businesses lose customers and tax revenues decline.
The ripple effects of layoffs extend beyond the workers themselves.
Small businesses, such as restaurants and retail shops near affected workplaces, often experience reduced foot traffic.
Schools and public services may face budget constraints if tax revenues drop.
In 2023, WARNTracker.com noted that layoffs were not evenly distributed, with certain states and industries facing disproportionate impacts.
Ohio’s diverse economy provides some resilience, but the concentration of layoffs in key sectors could exacerbate regional disparities.
Also Read: An Unexpected Gas Station Company Is Now Closing All Stores
What Employers and Workers Can Do
For employers, complying with WARN Act requirements is just the first step.
Proactive communication with employees, unions, and local officials can ease the transition and maintain goodwill.
Offering severance packages, outplacement services, or retraining support can also help mitigate the impact on workers and enhance the company’s reputation.
Workers, meanwhile, should take advantage of the 60-day notice period to explore new opportunities.
Updating resumes, networking with industry contacts, and enrolling in training programs can improve job prospects.
Ohio’s workforce development agencies can provide personalized guidance, helping workers identify in-demand skills and connect with employers.
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Looking Ahead
As Ohio prepares for nearly 2,000 job cuts in May and June 2025, the state faces a critical moment.
While the layoffs reflect broader economic challenges, they also highlight the resilience of Ohio’s workforce and the resources available to support it.
By leveraging WARN Act data, state agencies, employers, and workers can collaborate to navigate this difficult period and build a stronger, more adaptable economy.
The surge in layoffs is a sobering reminder of the need for proactive workforce development and economic diversification.
As Ohio moves forward, investments in education, technology, and infrastructure will be essential to creating sustainable job opportunities and reducing reliance on vulnerable industries.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the nearly 2,000 workers facing job losses and ensuring they have the tools to rebound.
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