ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.—Windshield wiper manufacturer Trico Products L.L.C. laid off 108 employees but plans to recall some workers, starting April 30, if demand picks up again for its products.
The duration of the layoffs isn't known, however, and could extend into October or beyond, according to Trico Human Resources Director Marcy O. Pena, who pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the move.
"This decision is being made as a result of the unforeseeable, dramatic decreases in our business caused by concerns related to the natural disaster that is the coronavirus," Pena said in a letter to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
"While we are hopeful the layoff will not be long-lasting, we are, nevertheless, providing you this notice out of an abundance of caution to ensure compliance with the law, in the event the layoffs exceed six months."
The notice was given April 1 in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
The layoffs, which are happening on a "rolling basis," began April 1. The affected employees are not part of a union and have no bumping rights.
Founded in 1917, Trico has research and manufacturing capabilities for every component of a windscreen wiper and washer system. The company operates out of an 81,000-sq.-ft. technology center in Rochester Hills, Mich., and serves the automotive aftermarket industry with Trico brand wiper blades, Carter brand fuel pumps and StrongArm brand lift supports.