Connecticut Faces Numerous Layoffs as Businesses Restructure

Multiple businesses in Connecticut are preparing for significant layoffs, with the most recent notification indicating that approximately 51 employees will be let go from ELG Utica Alloys (Hartford), Inc. The company plans to cease its solids processing operations by December 31, 2025, as documented in a notice to the Connecticut Department of Labor.

ELG Utica Alloys informed the state that this decision will impact around 41 bargaining unit employees and 10 non-bargaining unit employees at their facility located at 239 West Service Road, Hartford. The layoffs are part of a broader strategic realignment aimed at long-term growth, as the company seeks to enhance efficiencies within its operations.

Impact on Local Workforce and Economy

The City of Hartford has expressed concern regarding the upcoming layoffs. Cristian Corza, deputy chief of staff to Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, emphasized the importance of job retention, stating, “Any job loss in Hartford is a serious concern, especially when families across our city and state are navigating difficult times.” The city aims to invest in its workforce to promote economic stability.

Recent layoffs are not isolated to ELG Utica Alloys. Macy’s will eliminate 106 positions at its South Windsor Distribution Center due to the closure of its Supply Chain Backstage operation. These layoffs are scheduled to occur between December 28, 2025, and January 10, 2026. In a letter to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Jonathan Castro, Senior Director of Human Resource Business Partner at Macy’s, noted that the job eliminations are permanent.

Other companies have also announced layoffs, reflecting a troubling trend for Connecticut’s workforce. CVS Health plans to lay off 72 employees as a result of losing a contract related to its Aetna Medicare Medicaid Program, impacting workers in three states—Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Broader Layoff Trends in Connecticut

The layoffs at CVS follow a notification from ImageFIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists, LLC, which cited a need for workforce reductions due to decreased business volumes. The company plans to lay off approximately 69 employees at its Farmington facility by the end of 2025.

PerkinElmer U.S. LLC, an international biotechnology company, is also reducing its workforce by laying off 68 employees as it closes its manufacturing facility in Shelton. The first phase of this closure is set to occur on November 24, 2025, with future notifications provided at least 60 days prior to employee terminations.

The series of layoffs is raising concerns about job security among workers in the region. The economic landscape is becoming increasingly challenging as companies navigate rising costs and inflation. The Mystic Seaport Museum has also implemented organizational changes, resulting in the elimination of 22 positions, highlighting the impact of financial pressures on cultural institutions.

ELG Utica Alloys, a key player in the aerospace industry, plans to redirect its investments towards a new Center of Excellence in the United States, aimed at fostering innovation and operational excellence. This facility is expected to be operational by January 1, 2027, and is part of the company’s strategy to optimize its global footprint while increasing titanium scrap utilization.

As layoffs continue to mount, it is crucial for local governments, businesses, and communities to collaborate in finding solutions that support affected workers and maintain economic growth in Connecticut. The ongoing shifts in the job market underscore the need for adaptability and resilience amidst these challenging times.