Lehigh County Shockwave: The BoxMaker to Close Two Plants, 60 Jobs Vanish by October 2025

Lehigh County is reeling from the news that 60 dedicated workers are set to lose their jobs as The BoxMaker, a leading force in the packaging industry, prepares to shutter two of its local facilities. The closures, affecting sites in Upper Macungie Township and Whitehall Township, are scheduled to take effect on October 26, 2025, according to a recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed with the state Department of Labor & Industry.

This unfortunate development marks a significant blow to the regional economy and the lives of dozens of families.

The BoxMaker, headquartered in Seattle, had expanded its presence in the Lehigh Valley in 2021 through the acquisition of Valley Packaging and Seattle Packaging, aiming to bolster its production and distribution capabilities. Just a few years later, economic headwinds and shifting market dynamics have reportedly led to this difficult decision.

The WARN Act mandates that employers provide advance notice of mass layoffs or plant closures, offering employees and local communities crucial time to prepare for the impending changes.

For the 60 individuals impacted, this notice triggers a period of uncertainty, prompting the urgent need for job search and retraining opportunities within the community.

Local officials and workforce development agencies are likely to mobilize resources to assist the affected employees during this challenging transition.

The closure highlights the volatile nature of manufacturing and the constant pressures businesses face to adapt to evolving economic landscapes. While the specific reasons cited often include "economic challenges" and "evolving market conditions," the human cost of such decisions is always profound.

As the countdown to October 26 begins, the focus shifts to supporting those who will be directly impacted by these closures.

The community watches closely, hoping for swift and effective measures to help these skilled workers find new opportunities and navigate the path ahead.