Layoffs: Ohio Companies Planning Cuts, Many Cite COVID-19

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Nearly 39 millions Americans, including 1.2 million Ohioans, have filed for unemployment since the start of the new coronavirus outbreak two months ago. This week, a new slate of companies in Ohio announced layoffs.

The largest employer to announce layoffs this week was the Michaels Companies, which is gradually closing its distribution and support centers in Strongsville. In this initial round of layoffs, the company said it would cut 146 jobs.

"Due to the changing needs of our company coupled with a challenging business environment, we have decided to close our Darice wholesale operations in Ohio. We appreciate the many contributions made by the Darice team members and we will help them through this transition," a company spokesperson told Patch this week.

The Michaels Companies said they are planning additional layoffs in Ohio this year and in early 2021.

Here are the other Ohio companies who announced layoffs this week:

• Schneller in Kent — 50 positions to be laid off
• Poma Glass and Specialty Windows in Boardman — 57 positions to be laid off
• Verso Corporation in Miamisburg — 59 positions to be laid off
• PCC Airfoils in Crooksville — 122 positions to be laid off
• The Michaels Companies in Strongsville — 146 positions to be laid off

Many of the companies cited the economic downturn and contract caused by the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

When the COVID-19 crisis began in March, Ohio's unemployment rate was 5.5 percent, according to Department of Labor statistics. The state's April unemployment rate was 16.8 percent.

For Ohio, in April 2020, 867,700 less people reported having a job versus April 2019.