News Summary
NPR of America has announced the permanent closure of its Grand Haven auto parts manufacturing plant, impacting 64 employees. Layoffs are set to begin in October 2025 and will continue through February 2027. The closure signifies a significant shift for the company, which specializes in producing piston rings for internal combustion engines. This decision highlights broader trends in the West Michigan manufacturing sector as companies adapt to changing market conditions.
Grand Haven Faces Job Losses as NPR of America Announces Plant Closure
Grand Haven, MI – NPR of America, Inc. has announced the permanent closure of its auto parts manufacturing plant located at 11118 U.S. 31, impacting 64 employees. This decision, communicated via a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice on August 12, 2025, signifies a significant shift in operations for the company, which specializes in manufacturing internal combustion engine parts, specifically piston rings.
According to the closure plan, layoffs will commence in October 2025, with the first 50 positions being eliminated by the end of that year. In addition, three employees are expected to be laid off by mid-January 2026. As the timeline progresses, nine more employees will face layoffs by June 2026, culminating in the final two layoffs taking place just before the plant’s complete closure on February 28, 2027.
Impact on Employees and Community
The impending closure will affect all 64 workers at the Grand Haven plant, which has been operational since 2004. Employees are not represented by a labor union and do not possess bumping rights, meaning their positions cannot be secured by transferring other employees from different departments or facilities. This lack of union representation may make the transition more challenging for individuals facing job loss.
NPR-Riken, the parent company formed from the merger of Nippon Piston Ring and Riken in 2023, has indicated that production functions from the Grand Haven facility will be transferred to other existing facilities as part of a broader strategy to consolidate operations and enhance their business operations.
A Trend in West Michigan Manufacturing
The closure of the NPR plant adds to a concerning trend of manufacturing downsizing in West Michigan, an area traditionally known for its robust manufacturing sector. With the automotive industry evolving rapidly, changes in production demands and operational focuses have resulted in several companies reevaluating their business strategies.
The Grand Haven facility is one of just two manufacturing sites for NPR in the United States, with the second located in Bardstown, Kentucky. The local plant has served as a key supplier for significant automotive manufacturers, including General Motors and Ford, which underscores its importance within the manufacturing landscape of the region.
Company Background and Financial Overview
NPR of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Nippon Piston Ring Co., based in Japan, and reported a net revenue of 170.3 billion yen (approximately $1.15 billion) for its 2025 fiscal year. The company has pursued efforts to diversify its business portfolio, further influencing decisions that lead to operational consolidations.
The lease for the Grand Haven facility is held from Thirty-One & M-45 LLC, added complexity to the situation as local stakeholders begin to assess the impact of the closure on the regional economy and community. As manufacturing workers transition, assistance programs and retraining opportunities might become pivotal in supporting the former employees seeking new employment in a shifting job landscape.
As the situation continues to develop, the closure notification remains posted on the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity website, providing important information for the affected workforce and the community at large.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MLive: West Michigan Manufacturer to Close
- Wikipedia: Manufacturing Industry
- Fox17: Grand Haven Manufacturing Plant to Close
- Google Search: Grand Haven manufacturing closure
- WoodTV: 64 to Lose Jobs as Plant Prepares to Close
- Google Scholar: Manufacturing Job Losses
- WGHN: Longtime Grand Haven Township Plant is Shutting Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing Closure
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Lakeshore Auto Supplier to Close
- Google News: Job Losses in Grand Haven
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
