Gardner, Massachusetts, February 13, 2026
Garlock Flexibles, a packaging company, is closing its two facilities in Gardner, Massachusetts, leading to the layoff of approximately 91 production workers. This decision reflects the ongoing economic shifts businesses face. As companies adjust their strategies to remain competitive, innovation and workforce development become crucial for long-term sustainability. The community must support affected individuals through retraining programs and new job opportunities.
Gardner, Massachusetts Faces Economic Shift as Garlock Flexibles Closes Facilities
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is set to experience an economic adjustment with the news that Garlock Flexibles, a prominent packaging company, will be closing its two facilities located in Gardner. This strategic decision by the company is expected to result in the layoff of approximately 91 production workers by September, underscoring the dynamic and often challenging nature of the modern business landscape.
Such shifts, while impactful for the individuals and communities directly affected, are also a testament to the constant evolution within industries. Businesses frequently adapt their strategies, embrace innovation, and streamline operations to remain competitive and responsive to market demands. For Massachusetts entrepreneurs and companies across the state, navigating these changes efficiently is key to long-term sustainability and growth.
Garlock Flexibles’ Strategic Realignment
Garlock Flexibles, which began its journey in Gardner, Massachusetts, in 1987 as Garlock Printing and Converting, has a long history of adaptation. Initially focused on flexographic printing on tissue paper, the company expanded over the decades, transitioning into a major producer of printed tissue and paper products before shifting its emphasis to flexible film substrates. This evolution highlights the entrepreneurial spirit necessary for businesses to thrive and innovate.
The company was acquired by Astara Capital Partners in January 2021, and subsequently rebranded to Garlock Flexibles in 2023. This rebranding was intended to reflect the company’s reinforced commitment and focus on specialized flexible film packaging solutions. The decision to close the Gardner facilities is part of this broader strategic realignment, indicating a concentration of operations to better serve its evolving market focus.
Impact on Local Workforce and Community
The closure of the two Gardner facilities will result in the elimination of approximately 91 production jobs. This news, which comes as part of a company-wide strategic shift, highlights the importance of workforce development and support systems in place to assist affected individuals. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act (Nationwide), and its state-level equivalent, require employers with a certain number of employees to provide advance written notice before a plant closing or mass layoff. This mechanism aims to give workers time to prepare for new opportunities.
For the community of Gardner, and by extension the broader Boston MA business ecosystem, such workforce transitions emphasize the need for robust local economic development initiatives. Supporting displaced workers through retraining programs and connecting them with new employment opportunities is crucial for maintaining economic vitality and fostering resilience among Massachusetts entrepreneurs.
The Flexible Packaging Industry and Economic Growth
The flexible packaging industry (Nationwide), in which Garlock Flexibles operates, is recognized as a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. It generates a substantial number of jobs and tax revenue in many states and congressional districts (Nationwide). The industry is a source of high-paying, full-time jobs (Nationwide), a driver of innovation in materials and sustainability (Nationwide), and a major contributor to public tax revenues (Nationwide). Its influence extends across various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and e-commerce (Nationwide), all of which rely on efficient and protective packaging solutions.
While the closure of facilities in one location represents a localized challenge, the broader industry continues to evolve, often driven by innovation in sustainable practices and new material development. This ongoing dynamism provides a backdrop for new business ventures and specialized growth areas that Boston small business owners and regional leaders can explore.
Navigating Change and Fostering Resilience
The situation in Gardner serves as a reminder that the business environment is constantly changing, necessitating adaptability from both companies and communities. Businesses often make difficult decisions to ensure their long-term viability and to remain competitive in evolving markets. The ability to pivot, innovate, and strategically realign operations is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
For Massachusetts, maintaining an environment that encourages investment, supports business innovation, and minimizes unnecessary regulatory burdens can help companies adjust more smoothly to market forces. Such an approach can ultimately foster stronger economic growth and create more diverse job opportunities across the Commonwealth, mitigating the impact of individual company transitions.
Conclusion
The forthcoming closure of Garlock Flexibles’ Gardner facilities and the associated layoffs mark a significant moment for the local community and the affected workers. While challenging, this event also highlights the relentless pursuit of efficiency and market alignment that drives many businesses. As Massachusetts continues to foster a climate of innovation and economic growth, it is essential to support our local communities and workforces through periods of transition. We encourage our readers to stay informed about local economic developments and support initiatives that promote job creation and business resilience in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What company is closing facilities in Massachusetts?
- Garlock Flexibles is closing its two facilities in Gardner, Massachusetts.
- How many workers will be laid off?
- Approximately 91 production workers will be laid off.
- When are the Garlock Flexibles facilities expected to close?
- The facilities are expected to close by September.
- What is the reason for the closures and layoffs?
- The closures are part of a company strategic shift.
- What is the WARN Act?
- The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers with 50 or more employees (Nationwide) or 100 or more employees (Massachusetts specific) to provide 60 days’ written notice before a plant closing or mass layoff.
Key Details of Garlock Flexibles Facilities Closure
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Garlock Flexibles | State-level |
| Location of Closure | Two facilities in Gardner, Massachusetts | State-level |
| Estimated Layoffs | Approximately 91 production workers | State-level |
| Closure Timeline | By September | State-level |
| Reason for Closure | Company strategic shift | State-level |
| WARN Act Requirement | 60 days’ written notice for plant closing or mass layoff | Nationwide/State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
