Ohio Brass Instrument Factory Closing, Shifting Production to China

Conn Selmer's decision to move jobs overseas despite Trump's 'America First' promises sparks backlash from workers

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting of an industrial machine or factory equipment, its forms repeated and distorted in overlapping geometric patterns, conveying a sense of motion and disruption in the face of economic change.As Trump's 'America First' manufacturing promises falter, a factory closure exposes the gap between political rhetoric and economic reality for Ohio workers.Eastlake Today

A brass instrument factory in Eastlake, Ohio, owned by a major Trump donor, is closing by the end of June, eliminating 150 jobs and shifting production to China. The move has exposed a disconnect between President Trump's rhetoric about protecting American manufacturing and the business decisions of his political allies.

Why it matters

The closure of the Conn Selmer factory highlights the challenges facing U.S. manufacturing despite Trump's promises to bring jobs back. It also raises questions about whether the Republican Party can maintain support from working-class voters ahead of the midterm elections if they are seen as failing to deliver on economic promises.

The details

Conn Selmer, the country's largest band instrument maker, announced it will move production of tubas, sousaphones and some French horns to China, citing the need to find $13 million in savings to remain competitive. This is despite public statements by billionaire plant owner John Paulson, who raised about $50.5 million for Trump's 2024 campaign, committing to protecting U.S. manufacturing.

  • Conn Selmer announced the factory closure in April 2026.
  • The Eastlake, Ohio plant is set to close by the end of June 2026.
  • U.S. manufacturing employment has fallen by approximately 100,000 jobs since Trump's inauguration in January 2025.

The players

Conn Selmer

The country's largest band instrument maker that is closing its Eastlake, Ohio factory and shifting production to China.

John Paulson

The billionaire owner of the Conn Selmer plant who raised about $50.5 million for Trump's 2024 campaign and publicly committed to protecting U.S. manufacturing.

Keith Czika

A 62-year-old worker at the Conn Selmer facility for nearly 18 years who led a campaign with union colleagues to pressure Paulson to keep the plant open.

Annette Dombrowski

A 64-year-old janitor at the Conn Selmer plant who fought back tears discussing her anxiety about finding work to supplement her Social Security income after the factory closure.

John Plecnik

A Republican Lake County Commissioner who warned his party risks losing working-class support ahead of November midterms if they don't keep the promise of protecting jobs.

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What they’re saying

“Why Paulson would make the decision to go to China is beyond me at this point. China, for one, is an economic enemy of the United States.”

— Keith Czika, Conn Selmer worker

“I'm starting to regret my vote for Trump.”

— Annette Dombrowski, Conn Selmer janitor

“If we don't keep the promise of protecting jobs, I wouldn't blame them for going right back and voting Democrat.”

— John Plecnik, Republican Lake County Commissioner

“If you keep your promises, that'll be fine. If you don't, that'll be a problem. America First. Bring manufacturing back.”

— Keith Czika, Conn Selmer worker

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.