Major car firm announces factory closure with 228 jobs lost
A major car parts manufacturer has confirmed one of its factories will close its doors next year, with hundreds of jobs understood to be at risk. US manufacturer Cooper Standard has announced it will shut down its factory in New Lexington, Ohio, with 228 staff under threat.
Cooper Standard is a manufacturer of sealing systems such as door and window seals. The company also focuses on fluid transfer systems, designing parts for fuel and brake lines and hoses. However, they confirmed plans to scale down their operation back in December, confirming jobs were at risk in the run-up to Christmas.
In a letter to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Cooper Standard Plant manager Larry Wasnock confirmed the businesses intended to start shutting down its Ohio base as early as February 2026.
Larry wrote: “This letter is being issued in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) in order to notify you that Cooper Standard Automotive Inc. is permanently closing its facility located at 2378 State Route 345 NE, New Lexington, Ohio 43764, with expected separations commencing on approximately February 6. 2026, with closure scheduled for approximately July 1, 2027. This will result in the layoff of approximately 288 employees.”
The letter added that Cooper Standard was looking for opportunities to optimise their manufacturing footprint and overall operating efficiency. According to Mr Wasnock, unions will be notified of affected employees 60 days or more before their last day of employment,
In his note, he confirmed that many hourly employees and salaried employees will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other Cooper Standard facilities. The news is the latest blow for the car industry, with manufacturing looking set for a tough 2026.
It comes after job losses across the sector with the German industry one of the most heavily affected in recent months.
Major car brands Bosch and ZF Friedrichshafen have both recently announced significant job cuts, with over 20,000 roles set to be axed across both companies by the end of 2030.
Boposh has confirmed they will cut around 13,000 positions in its Mobility division by 2030, with more than 7,000 workers set to lose their jobs at tech firm ZF Friedrichshafen.
