Pratt Industries lays off dozens of workers in Livonia amid business downturn

In Livonia, Michigan, Pratt Industries has announced the permanent layoff of 53 manufacturing employees. The layoffs are set to take effect on August 10, 2025, following a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) notice submitted to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This law requires companies undergoing significant layoffs or site closures to notify the state's labor department ahead of time, contingent upon specific conditions related to workforce size and other factors. The layoffs have been attributed to reduced business conditions, specifically based on the decision by Ford Motor Company to end its business relationship with Pratt Industries. Ford's change in strategy has fundamentally impacted Pratt, which relied on the automotive sector for a substantial part of its operations. The implications of this decision will likely ripple through the Livonia community as many workers affected by the layoffs must now seek new employment opportunities amid potentially limited job availability in the area. Pratt Industries has not disclosed any additional plans regarding the future operation of its Livonia site or if there will be further layoffs. The company has been a significant player in the manufacturing sector, and the changes reflect broader trends within the automotive and manufacturing industries. As companies like Ford shift their production schemes to adapt to evolving market demands, suppliers like Pratt face mounting challenges. The communication of these layoffs was executed in accordance with the WARN Act, which mandates that companies give advance notice when a layoff affects a certain number of employees. This legal framework aims to provide impacted workers time to prepare for the loss of income and seek alternative employment or training. CBS News Detroit has reached out to Ford for an official comment regarding the matter, but as of now, no statement has been provided. The outcome of these layoffs could have substantial implications for the local economy, impacting not only the laid-off workers but also the suppliers and vendors who service Pratt Industries in Livonia.