Stevensville Plant Closing as JR Automation Reduces Operations

JR Automation has confirmed plans to close its Stevensville manufacturing plant by August 2026, affecting 38 workers in what the company described as part of broader efficiency initiatives under its Hitachi ownership.

The Stevensville facility, located at 7275 Red Arrow Highway, will shut down completely by August, though current projects underway at the plant will be completed before the closure begins.

"We sincerely hope all workers will find a new position with the company 'that works for them', and that managers will work with employees individually to explore the opportunities that are available at other JR locations."

— Christine Powers, JR Automation Spokesperson

All Employees Being Offered New Positions

According to spokesperson Christine Powers, JR Automation is offering every impacted employee a new position at one of the company's other ten Michigan locations.

The majority of the 38 affected positions are in production roles on the plant floor, with a smaller number consisting of office and administrative jobs.

Powers indicated that some employees may be able to work remotely or take on hybrid positions that combine remote work with on-site shifts at another JR location.

"Powers said specifically that all of the Stevensville employees are being offered positions with JR at other locations, and that potentially some may be able to work remotely or take on 'hybrid' positions: a mix of remote and on-site at another JR location."

Holland Location Expanding as New World Headquarters

The closest JR facility to Stevensville is the company's Holland location, which is approximately a one hour drive from the Stevensville plant. This Holland facility is currently expanding and will house the new world headquarters for JR Automation once construction is complete.

Powers noted that the Holland location represents JR Automation's future growth hub as the company continues operations across Michigan.

Staggered Layoff Schedule

The shutdown will not happen all at once. Current projects at the Stevensville facility will be completed before the closure begins, resulting in staggered layoff dates that will occur between now and August 2026.

"Powers said current projects underway at Stevensville will be completed there, so layoff dates will be staggered between now and August, when the shutdown is expected to be complete."

Company Background and Ownership

JR Automation was acquired by the global industrial firm Hitachi in 2019. The company specializes in creating and building high-tech customized automation and robotic systems for a wide range of industries worldwide.

The Stevensville plant itself has an interesting history. It began as Dane Systems and evolved through several different ownerships before becoming JR Automation under Hitachi.

Regional Impact and Community Reaction

The closure represents a significant loss of manufacturing jobs in the Stevensville area and surrounding regions. Holland Today noted that this shutdown is part of JR Automation's broader efficiency efforts under its Hitachi ownership.

While the company is actively trying to retain affected workers by offering them positions at other Michigan facilities, the closure still represents a substantial reduction in local manufacturing employment.

"The shutdown of the Stevensville plant is part of JR Automation's broader efficiency efforts under its new Hitachi ownership. While the company is trying to retain the affected workers, the closure represents a loss of manufacturing jobs in the region and raises questions about the long-term viability of the Stevensville facility and others like it as companies seek to optimize operations."

What Happens Next

JR Automation has committed to working with each employee individually to explore opportunities at its other Michigan facilities. The company emphasizes that managers will help employees identify which location best fits their skills and preferences.

The Holland expansion is expected to provide significant new opportunities as the company continues to grow its operations in that area.

Source

Moody on the Market first reported the planned JR shutdown in Stevensville, and was able to confirm the closure with the company directly.