Wisconsin Firms Announce Layoffs Affecting Over 400 Workers

Cargill, FanDuel, and other companies filed February layoff notices with the state.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Six Wisconsin companies, including a Milwaukee beef processor and the firm that broadcasts Milwaukee Bucks basketball games, filed February layoff notices affecting 418 workers in the state. The number of lost jobs is up 14% from January, according to state records. The impacted firms include Cargill Meat Solutions, Main Street Sports Group, and SpartanNash.

Why it matters

The layoffs reflect ongoing economic challenges in Wisconsin, particularly in the manufacturing and retail sectors. The state's unemployment rate has remained elevated compared to national averages, and these job losses will further impact local communities.

The details

The layoffs include 221 jobs at Cargill's Milwaukee meat processing plant, which is set to close by the end of May. Main Street Sports Group, which owns the FanDuel Sports Network, plans to close its Brookfield office and lay off two workers. SpartanNash will close its Chippewa Falls grocery store, impacting 57 workers. Other impacted firms include Ahlstrom, TJ Hale, and Artisans Inc.

  • The Cargill plant will start winding down operations around April 17 and fully close by May 31.
  • Main Street Sports Group plans to close its Brookfield office on April 14.
  • SpartanNash's Chippewa Falls store layoffs are expected to occur between April 11 and April 22.
  • Artisans Inc. plans to close its Glen Flora facilities by September 30.

The players

Cargill Meat Solutions

A major meat processing company that plans to close its Milwaukee plant, eliminating 221 jobs.

Main Street Sports Group

The owner of the FanDuel Sports Network, which plans to close its Brookfield office and lay off two workers.

SpartanNash

A grocery store owner that plans to close its Chippewa Falls store, impacting 57 workers.

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What they’re saying

“Please note that due to effects bargaining and/or early retirement elections, it is impossible to predict with certainty which represented employees will ultimately be affected or the exact order in which individual employees will be separated.”

— Ahlstrom Mosinee

“The loss of an expected major contract led to cash flow reductions and insufficient funds to continue to fund payroll and other financial obligations in the short term.”

— TJ Hale, Millwork manufacturer

The takeaway

These layoffs highlight the ongoing economic challenges facing Wisconsin, particularly in the manufacturing and retail sectors. The job losses will have a significant impact on local communities, underscoring the need for policymakers to support businesses and workers during this difficult period.