First Brands closes Brownsville plant (345 jobs) and Tennessee facility, cuts 2,000+ jobs
First Brands Group is expanding restructuring layoffs beyond Ohio, closing its Brownsville, Texas manufacturing plant (345 jobs) and ASC distribution facility (43 roles) along with a Tennessee site, affecting over 2,000 workers nationwide. The bankrupt auto parts supplier owes $715 million to Jefferies and faces investor fraud lawsuits over receivables.
1. Expansion of Layoffs and Plant Closures
First Brands Group has extended its wave of restructuring beyond Ohio, filing WARN notices for multiple facility shutdowns. The Brownsville, Texas manufacturing plant at 1995 Billy Mitchell Blvd. will eliminate 345 positions by April 30, while the ASC operation at 1990 Billy Mitchell Blvd. will cut 43 jobs. A separate Tennessee distribution center is also slated for closure, bringing total impacted workers to over 2,000 across several states.
2. Financial and Legal Challenges
Since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2025, First Brands has struggled to secure new funding partners, prompting deeper cuts. The company reports $715 million in receivables owed by its largest creditor, Jefferies’ asset management arm, and is now the subject of investor fraud lawsuits alleging misrepresentation in leveraged lending investments.
3. Company Portfolio and Bankruptcy Context
First Brands Group markets renowned aftermarket automotive brands—FRAM, Autolite, ANCO, Raybestos, and licensed products from Michelin and Philips—through 24 subsidiary companies. The ongoing closures form part of its court-approved restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing liabilities amid a complex bankruptcy process.