Farmington Hills, Michigan, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Akebono Brake Corporation, headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, plans to permanently lay off at least 48 employees at its Engineering Center. The layoffs, starting from October 1 and continuing through December 1, will affect various positions, primarily engineering roles, as part of the company’s response to declining business operations in the U.S. market. Additionally, around five employees in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, are also set to be impacted. The layoffs highlight significant changes within the company’s workforce strategies amid competitive pressures in the automotive industry.
Farmington Hills
Akebono Brake Corporation, a company based in Tokyo, Japan, is set to permanently lay off at least 48 employees at its Akebono Engineering Center located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, approximately five other employees will be affected at a plant in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, as part of the same initiative.
The layoffs are scheduled to take place starting on October 1, 2025, and will continue through December 1, 2025. The affected job positions primarily encompass engineering roles, lab technicians, analysts, designers, and program managers.
None of the employees being laid off in Michigan are part of a union, and there are no bumping rights available, which limits the options for affected workers seeking to retain their positions. The company provided formal notice of the layoffs under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The reason underlying these layoffs is a noted decline in Akebono’s business operations in the U.S. market, and the company has indicated that these cuts will be permanent. This decision marks a significant adjustment in Akebono’s workforce as it responds to changing business dynamics.
Akebono Brake Corporation specializes in the production of brake pads and is known for employing “world-class engineers.” The company boasts extensive testing facilities, featuring over 100 chassis dynamometers—more than any other brake supplier in the industry.
The U.S. headquarters for Akebono is situated in Farmington Hills, and the corporation employs around 5,321 people globally. Among its main Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers are various Japanese automakers, as well as notable global manufacturers such as Porsche, GM, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz.
Despite previous reports indicating robust overall new vehicle sales in the United States, the recent decision to cut jobs indicates potential challenges specific to Akebono’s operations. The current situation represents a mass layoff that reflects significant transformations within the company’s operational strategies in the increasingly competitive U.S. market.
Background Context
Akebono Brake Corporation has established itself as a leader in the automotive brake industry, specializing in high-quality products suited for various automotive manufacturers. The firm has consistently contributed to technological advancements in brake system engineering and innovation. However, the changing landscape of the auto industry and recent shifts in consumer behavior may have influenced the drop in Akebono’s U.S. business.
Key Features of Job Cuts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location of Layoffs | Farmington Hills, Michigan; Elizabethtown, Kentucky |
| Number of Employees Laid Off | 48 in Michigan; ~5 in Kentucky |
| Positions Affected | Engineering roles, lab technicians, analysts, designers, program managers |
| Planned Layoff Dates | October 1, 2025 – December 1, 2025 |
| Union Representation | None in Michigan |
| Global Workforce | 5,321 employees |
FAQ
What is the reason for the layoffs at Akebono Brake Corporation?
When will the layoffs begin and end?
How many employees will be laid off?
What types of positions are impacted by the layoffs?
Are the affected employees in Michigan represented by a union?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Akebono Brake Corporation Layoffs
- Patch: Metro Detroit Auto Part Maker Announces Layoff
- CBS News: Akebono to Lay Off Employees
- ClickOnDetroit: Brake Manufacturer Layoffs
- The Brake Report: Akebono Layoffs Announced
- Wikipedia: Akebono Brake Corporation
- Google Search: Akebono Brake Corporation
- Google Scholar: Akebono Brake Corporation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Akebono Brake Corporation
- Google News: Akebono Brake Corporation
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
