Kentucky is being hit hard by a wave of layoffs in both the public and private sectors.
Brown-Forman, a major bourbon and spirits company headquartered in Louisville, announced plans to cut 12% of its global workforce — about 650 jobs. Of those, 210 jobs will be lost with the closure of its Louisville barrel-making facility by April 25. The company cited long-term strategic restructuring as the reason. Affected workers will receive severance and support packages.
Other Kentucky distillers are also under pressure. Campari, the parent company of Wild Turkey and Wilderness Trail, is reportedly planning to cut up to 500 jobs worldwide. It's unclear how many will be in Kentucky. Diageo has already closed bottling operations at Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, laying off 33 workers. Constellation Brands also scaled back forecasts, raising concern about more cuts ahead.
Meanwhile, Ford will temporarily lay off about 2,300 workers at its Louisville Assembly Plant. The shutdown is part of a planned retooling to prepare the facility for electric vehicle production. Workers will be off the job for 8 to 10 months but will receive partial pay and unemployment benefits during that time.
State and city governments are also bracing for cuts. Louisville Metro faces a $14 million deficit, and Mayor Craig Greenberg has asked departments to identify possible layoffs. No specific job numbers have been announced yet, but the city could see trimmed roles as it balances spending increases and revenue gaps.
In eastern Kentucky, Civil LLC is permanently closing three locations, laying off 32 trucking and freight employees. The closures will affect operations in Pikeville, Jenkins and Harlan.
The combination of global industry changes, local economic shifts and federal funding uncertainty is hitting Kentucky workers from multiple sides. Bourbon, autos, public services and logistics — all major economic pillars — are feeling the pressure.
More layoffs are likely in the months ahead as companies and governments adjust to tighter budgets and changing markets.