Hundreds of Manufacturing Jobs Lost in Kansas Amid Nationwide Layoffs

Two facilities operated by Hopkins Manufacturing, a subsidiary of First Brands Group, are shutting down, resulting in over 200 job losses.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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More than 200 manufacturing workers in Kansas have lost their jobs after two facilities operated by Hopkins Manufacturing, a subsidiary of First Brands Group, were closed down as part of a broader nationwide round of layoffs. The closures affected plants in Emporia and Edgerton, Kansas, where a total of 210 jobs are being eliminated.

Why it matters

Manufacturing communities across the U.S. are facing renewed job losses as companies struggle with financial pressures and failed sales. For smaller cities, plant closures can ripple quickly through local economies, heightening concerns about the cumulative impact of such losses.

The details

State filings show the shutdowns affect plants in Emporia and Edgerton, Kansas, where more than 210 jobs are being eliminated. The Emporia facility at 428 Peyton St. listed 130 employees impacted, and the Edgerton site on West 185th Street listed 81 employees impacted. Hopkins originated in Emporia in 1953, producing auto body repair tools and later focusing on consumer products, including winter snow and ice tools. Most workers were laid off immediately, with a smaller number staying on temporarily before final terminations later this spring.

  • The closures were announced in February 2026.
  • The layoffs will be completed by the end of spring 2026.

The players

First Brands Group LLC

The parent company of Hopkins Manufacturing, which is closing the two facilities in Kansas.

Hopkins Manufacturing

A subsidiary of First Brands Group that is shutting down its facilities in Emporia and Edgerton, Kansas, resulting in over 200 job losses.

Emporia Regional Development Association

A local organization working to support affected workers and their families in response to the announced closure of the Hopkins Manufacturing facilities.

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What they’re saying

“The sudden cessation of the sale process was unfortunately an unforeseeable event that has led to today's closure decision and the abbreviated timeline for closure.”

— First Brands Group LLC (Letter)

“Community leaders and stakeholders from the City of Emporia, Lyon County, and several key organizations are working together in response to the announced closure of Hopkins Manufacturing. Representatives will be meeting later this week to coordinate efforts to support affected workers and their families.”

— Robin Emley, with the Emporia Regional Development Association (Statement)

What’s next

State workforce agencies and local development groups are expected to ramp up job placement and retraining efforts in the coming weeks to support the affected workers.

The takeaway

The closure of the Hopkins Manufacturing facilities in Kansas is the latest example of the ongoing challenges facing manufacturing communities across the U.S. as companies grapple with economic pressures, underscoring the vulnerability of local economies that rely heavily on large employers.