Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Interim President Lyle Butler says his reaction to the recent Michelin layoffs, which will impact 100 employees, was the same as many in the community: disappointment. “My first feeling is for the employees and their families, because that forces change,” he said. The RDA was the first to release information last Thursday, announcing it had been notified of Michelin’s decision to restructure its agricultural track and wheel operations, laying off 100 Emporia employees as part of a phase-out expected to continue through the end of 2026. Michelin is the latest of several companies to scale back or cease operations in the city, with other notable examples including Tyson Foods, Thermal Ceramics and, most recently, Hopkins Manufacturing.
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