🔻 More than 600 layoffs were announced across NJ in just six days to start May
🏭 Factory closures in Ocean and Cumberland counties, hotel in Somerset wipe out longtime local jobs
🔻 A bank and cargo company are also cutting staff as NJ layoffs outpace 2025 totals
May got off to a very rocky start, with more than 600 layoffs announced in the first six days of the month around New Jersey.
The bleak notices included planned closures of facilities in Ocean County and Cumberland County.
Ocean County manufacturing layoffs hit Lakewood
In Lakewood, Accupac makes personal care, pharmaceutical and beauty products. Its facility on Oak Street would be closed in a consolidation effort with its two Pennsylvania sites.
Bridgeton Danone plant closing after more than 20 years
Yogurt and soy milk maker, Danone North America, is closing a Bridgeton plant that’s been open for more than 20 years, laying off 114 workers.
Hotel in Somerset will close, operator says
In Somerset County not far off Route 287, struggling chain DoubleTree by Hilton has announced it will close for good, laying off 90 workers at its Somerset hotel and conference center by August.
“This was a difficult decision, made after careful consideration of current market conditions and the long-term viability of the property,” according to hotel operator, Rebel Hotel Company Chief Operating Officer Gary Thomas in a response to New Jersey 101.5 on Friday.
He added that until August, “the hotel will continue to welcome guests and provide the same first-class service it has always delivered.”
New Jersey WARN notices climbing in 2026
In Elizabeth, there were sudden layoffs of “between 80 and 100 workers” by Worldwide Flight Services. The global air cargo logistics leader is a member of the massive SATS Group.
Fulton Bank announced 95 layoffs out of Morris County, effective by late July and October.
Overall, from January through the first week of May, New Jersey has seen 6,637 layoffs announced in WARN notices.
That’s pacing ahead of 2025, when New Jersey saw 6,848 layoffs announced by the end of May — which included more than a 1,000 workers cut with the closing of all Rite Aid stores.
Biggest layoffs in New Jersey this year
New Jersey started 2026 with more than 4,700 notable layoffs announced, revealed by employers in the first three months. By early May, the total was over 6,600. Here’s a look at the largest announcements.
Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt
Biggest NJ company layoffs announced in 2025
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, roughly a dozen New Jersey employers announced over 3,000 layoffs. By October, the number of layoffs announced was beyond 11,000.
Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt
