Two different employers have confirmed plans to close facilities in Oconomowoc and Prairie du Chien, leading to an anticipated 100 layoffs this summer. These closures could leave many workers searching for new positions at a time when local unemployment remains relatively low.
How these simultaneous plant shutdowns might reshape employment opportunities in Wisconsin
California-based metal can maker Silgan Containers Manufacturing Corp. notified state officials on Wednesday that it will close one of its Oconomowoc facilities, where 56 people are currently employed. Layoffs are set to begin around July 21, and the facility will continue limited production into August or later. According to the company, 46 hourly and 10 salaried workers—ranging from can line mechanic to plant manager—will be affected.
Wondering how this might impact families in the area? Silgan stated that production volumes will be shifted to other company facilities. The firm operates several sites in southeast Wisconsin, including a technology center in Oconomowoc and manufacturing plants in Menomonee Falls and Kenosha.
Why production changes and tariff concerns play a decisive role in these closures
Silgan’s announcement follows a letter from 21 companies in the steel can-making or food processing industry, seeking protections from tariffs. According to the letter, nine tin mill steel plants had already closed since the introduction of steel and aluminum tariffs in 2018. The companies noted they import roughly 70 percent of the steel used to make cans that help feed 330 million Americans.
Days after the letter was sent, the federal administration removed past exemptions, effectively raising tariffs on all steel imports to 25 percent on March 12. Silgan declined to comment on any direct link between tariffs and its decision to consolidate operations.
What employees should expect regarding transfers and new opportunities after the Prairie du Chien closure
Meanwhile, Truvant North America, a packaging and containers manufacturing company based in North Carolina, announced the closure of its Prairie du Chien facility. The company filed a layoff notice on May 15, explaining that “changing business circumstances” had led to this decision.
Of the 74 employees who work at or report to that site, 44 will be laid off, while 30 accepted offers to transfer to other locations within 4 to 30 miles of the closing plant. Truvant plans to begin layoffs around July 15, the same time it expects to finalize the shutdown. Below is a brief table of key dates and employee figures for each closure:
| Company | Location | Layoff Start Date | Employees Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silgan | Oconomowoc | July 21 | 56 |
| Truvant | Prairie du Chien | July 15 | 44 (plus transfers) |
Are you thinking about job prospects? Recent data show Wisconsin’s unemployment rate at 3.3 percent in April, with 2.9 percent in Waukesha County and 4 percent in Crawford County. While these figures indicate a strong labor market, local workers affected by these closures may still face challenges as they look for new roles.
The closures in Oconomowoc and Prairie du Chien will impact around 100 workers, with some employees offered transfers and others left to explore new opportunities. Both announcements highlight ongoing economic shifts, including changes in production volumes and tariff-related pressures. Affected workers are advised to stay informed about potential openings in other local facilities or to consult workforce agencies for assistance.