Farmington Hills, MI, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Akebono Brake Corporation will lay off at least 48 employees from its Farmington Hills, MI facility and 5 employees from its Elizabethtown, KY plant. The layoffs, commencing on October 1, 2025, are attributed to a decline in U.S. business performance and are expected to be permanent. Key positions affected include engineering roles and lab technicians. Despite positive sales trends in the automotive industry, Akebono’s challenges reflect specific hurdles faced by the company.
Farmington Hills, MI – Akebono Brake Corporation is set to lay off at least 48 employees from its Akebono Engineering Center next month, according to a recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) submitted to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Additionally, five employees will also be laid off at the Akebono Brake plant in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The layoffs will commence on October 1, 2025, and are expected to continue until December 1, 2025, affecting various job positions including engineering roles, lab technicians, analysts, designers, and program managers. These layoffs are anticipated to be permanent.
The decision to reduce the workforce is attributed to a significant decline in Akebono’s U.S. business performance. Despite broader industry trends, the layoffs come at a time when reports from Cox Automotive indicate strong new vehicle sales within the U.S. market. However, Akebono’s challenges reflect ongoing issues in the automotive sector, which has faced numerous hurdles in recent years. Notably, none of the employees facing layoffs are represented by a union.
Founded over 90 years ago, Akebono Brake Corporation is a Japanese auto parts manufacturer renowned for its focus on brake pads. The corporation is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and has established itself as a significant player in the auto parts industry, operating with over 100 chassis dynamometers—more than any other brake supplier. Currently, Akebono employs approximately 5,321 people worldwide, serving a diverse customer base in the U.S. that includes major manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Porsche, General Motors, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz.
The WARN notice filed by Akebono characterizes the situation as a “mass layoff,” marking a challenging moment for the company in light of its historically strong presence in the automotive market. As Akebono navigates through these economic challenges, the company is tasked with addressing both its operational and workforce needs amid a changing business climate.
Key Points from the Layoff Announcement
- Location: Akebono Engineering Center, Farmington Hills, MI.
- Number of Layoffs: 48 employees in MI, 5 in Elizabethtown, KY.
- Start Date: October 1, 2025.
- End Date: December 1, 2025.
- Positions Affected: Engineering roles, lab technicians, analysts, designers, program managers.
- Nature of Layoffs: Expected to be permanent.
- Reason: Decline in Akebono’s U.S. business.
- Union Representation: None of the affected employees are represented by a union.
Background Context
Akebono Brake Corporation has been a recognized name in the automotive components sector for decades, reflecting durability and innovative practices. Its product focus on brake pads has positioned it as a crucial supplier to many leading automotive manufacturers. While the automotive industry has shown promising sales figures, the specific challenges facing Akebono suggest that not all manufacturers are equally sharing in the sector’s successes.
FAQ Section
1. What is the location of Akebono Brake Corporation’s layoffs?
The layoffs will take place at the Akebono Engineering Center in Farmington Hills, MI, and at the Akebono Brake plant in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
2. How many employees will be laid off?
At least 48 employees will be laid off in Farmington Hills, MI, and an additional five employees will be affected at the plant in Kentucky.
3. When will the layoffs begin?
The layoffs will begin on October 1, 2025, and are expected to continue through December 1, 2025.
4. What types of positions are affected by these layoffs?
Affected job positions will include engineering roles, lab technicians, analysts, designers, and program managers.
5. Are the layoffs expected to be temporary or permanent?
The layoffs are expected to be permanent.
6. Why is Akebono Brake Corporation laying off employees?
The layoffs are attributed to a decline in Akebono’s U.S. business.
7. Are the affected employees unionized?
None of the affected employees are represented by a union.
Chart: Key Features of Akebono Brake Corporation Layoffs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Farmington Hills, MI and Elizabethtown, KY |
| Total Employees Laid Off | 53 (48 in MI, 5 in KY) |
| Layoff Period | October 1, 2025 – December 1, 2025 |
| Job Positions Affected | Engineering roles, lab technicians, analysts, designers, program managers |
| Nature of Layoffs | Permanent |
| Reason for Layoffs | Decline in Akebono’s U.S. business |
| Union Representation | None |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Akebono Brake Corporation Files for Mass Layoff
- Patch: Metro Detroit Auto Part Maker Announces Mass Layoff
- CBS News: Akebono to Lay Off 48 Employees in Farmington Hills
- Wikipedia: Akebono Brake Corporation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automotive Industry
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