Wakefield, MA – A major employer in Wakefield is preparing to shut down operations, with 100 workers set to lose their jobs as part of a permanent facility closure.
According to a WARN notice filed Wednesday, WestRock Services, LLC plans to close its container facility located at 365 Audubon Road, with layoffs expected to begin Monday, May 18, 2026. The company indicated the job cuts will occur over a 14-day period as operations wind down completely.
The notice states the closure will be permanent, impacting a range of positions across the facility. Company officials noted there are no bumping rights for affected employees, meaning workers will not be able to displace others within the organization to retain employment.
Some of the employees affected by the layoffs are represented by unions, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 3, and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers, 32BJ SEIU. Union leadership has been notified as part of the required process.
WestRock, a major packaging company, has not publicly detailed the reason behind the closure in the notice. The shutdown marks a significant shift for Wakefield’s local workforce, as the facility has served as a source of industrial employment in the area.
State and local officials are expected to coordinate response efforts to assist displaced workers, including potential job placement services and retraining opportunities through Massachusetts labor programs.
The layoffs come amid broader shifts in the manufacturing and packaging industries, where companies have increasingly consolidated operations and adjusted to changing market demands.
Residents and workers in the Wakefield area are bracing for the economic ripple effects as the closure date approaches.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Threads for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
