Salisbury, North Carolina, October 8, 2025
News Summary
The Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is closing its full-line corrugated packaging plant in Salisbury, NC, leading to 108 layoffs by December 19, 2025. This decision follows similar layoffs announced by Solero Technologies, marking a significant impact on the local manufacturing sector. The closures pose challenges for affected workers and the economy, with local stakeholders needing to address the situation and support those displaced. PCA attributes the closure to challenging business conditions, not individual plant performance.
Salisbury, North Carolina — The Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is set to close its full-line corrugated packaging plant located at 1302 N Salisbury Ave, resulting in 108 layoffs by December 19, 2025. The notification of these layoffs has been filed under the North Carolina Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). This closure follows closely on the heels of a similar announcement by Solero Technologies, which is shutting down its Shelby plant and laying off 102 workers. Together, these layoffs will affect a total of 210 manufacturing workers in the Charlotte region.
The layoffs at PCA are scheduled to begin on December 5, according to the WARN notice. This decision comes as a significant blow to the local economy and is attributed to challenging business conditions faced by PCA. Representatives from Packaging Corporation have stated that making this decision was difficult, indicating that it was a strategic business choice rather than a reflection of individual plant performance.
Packaging Corporation of America is a major national producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the United States. The company maintains four other facilities in North Carolina, which includes a full-line plant in Morganton, a retail design center in Mooresville, and sheet plants located in Greensboro and Trinity. The upcoming layoffs will not only impact the workers at the Salisbury plant but also pose challenges for local businesses and families that depend on these jobs.
The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union No. 1730 has been informed about the layoffs. This communication signifies the union’s role in representing and supporting the affected employees during this transition period.
In a related development, RFK Racing, a NASCAR-based company, is currently facing a proposed federal class-action lawsuit due to a data breach that has potentially affected the personal information of over 13,000 individuals, including 2,899 North Carolinians. The lawsuit alleges that the company did not take adequate cybersecurity measures, creating risks for identity theft among those affected. In response to this breach, RFK Racing is offering 24 months of credit monitoring and identity protection services to those impacted.
Data breaches have been a pressing concern in the Charlotte area, with multiple companies experiencing significant breaches this year. Notable instances include Ahold Delhaize USA impacting 2.2 million people, Krispy Kreme affecting over 160,000 individuals, and Belk department store experiencing a breach claimed by the ransomware group DragonForce. These incidents underline the increasing frequency of cybersecurity threats faced by local businesses and their customers, raising questions about the safety of personal and financial information.
Impact of Layoffs
The combined effect of the PCA and Solero Technologies layoffs signifies a critical junction for the manufacturing sector in the Charlotte area. As these companies scale back their operations, employees face uncertainty in the job market, prompting discussions on workforce development and retraining programs. Efforts will be needed at both the local and state levels to address the impending economic impact and support displaced workers.
Future Considerations
This trend towards consolidation and layoffs raises questions about the stability and future of manufacturing in North Carolina, particularly within the Charlotte region. Stakeholders, including local governments and economic development organizations, may need to mobilize resources to support the affected workforce and entice new businesses to the area.
FAQ
- What plant is Packaging Corporation of America closing?
- The Packaging Corporation of America is closing its full-line corrugated packaging plant located at 1302 N Salisbury Ave.
- How many workers will be laid off due to the closure?
- The closure is set to result in 108 layoffs.
- When is the closure scheduled to occur?
- The plant closure is scheduled to be completed by December 19, 2025.
- What is the reason for the layoffs?
- The decision to close the plant was a difficult business choice made by Packaging Corporation of America.
- Is there any notice of layoffs filed?
- Yes, the notification of layoffs was filed under the North Carolina Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
- What other recent layoffs occurred in the area?
- Solero Technologies is also shutting down its Shelby plant and laying off 102 workers, affecting a total of 210 manufacturing workers in the Charlotte region when combined with PCA.
- Is there a union representing the workers?
- Yes, the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union No. 1730 has been informed about the layoffs.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Company Closing | Packaging Corporation of America |
| Plant Location | 1302 N Salisbury Ave, Salisbury, NC |
| Number of Layoffs | 108 |
| Closure Date | December 19, 2025 |
| Related Layoffs | Solero Technologies – 102 layoffs |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Ledger: American Express is Looking in Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer: Business News
- Charlotte Observer: Food & Drink
- YourSun: Chamber Partners Collaborate for Workforce Roundtable
- Business Insider: Relocation to Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Manufacturing in North Carolina
- Google Search: Charlotte Economic News
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Google News: Charlotte Business Layoffs
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