Global automotive supplier to lay off nearly 200 at Metro Detroit plant

ROMULUS, MI – A Metro Detroit plant for a global automotive supplier is slated to permanently layoff close to 200 employees in the coming weeks as some operations are relocated to other sites.

The company Yanfeng, which is internationally headquartered in Shanghai, China, notified the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity this month about the layoffs.

According to the notice, 192 will be let go from a production facility, 9800 Inkster Road, in Romulus. The bulk of the positions affected are plant and assembly operators, as well as a host of technicians, material handlers, and other production leads.

Mary Feltner, a human resources manager for the Romulus Yanfeng facility, wrote the layoffs were expected to come by Jan. 5, though a variety of factors could still impact those plans and the timing of employee separations.

“If any opportunity to relocate employees presents itself, we will extend such offers at the time they become available,” the notice reads. “Should there be a need to retain any employees previously identified for layoff in January, an updated list will be generated and shared at that time.”

Yanfeng has 240 locations in 20 countries. Its North American headquarters are in Novi, according to the company’s website. The company produces vehicle interiors, smart features and electronics, seating and some exterior features.

The layoff news was issued under the Federal Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, commonly called a WARN notice, and Yanfeng is just the latest of several automotive-related manufacturers to announce expected layoffs over the last couple of months.

Several other companies issued notices in October to close their Michigan operations citing a decline in business, spurring more than 400 layoffs total.

Those included Dana Thermal Products in Auburn Hills, NPR of America in Grand Haven, Akebono Brake Corp. in Farmington Hills, DP World Logistics in Warren and Davalor Mold Company in New Baltimore.

Another auto parts manufacturer, IAC Group, was slated to layoff close to 250 people at its plants in Mendon and Alma by mid-December.