Lifetouch, a 90-year-old photography company, is set to close its Galion production facility. The company filed a WARN notice, informing local officials and workers at the site about the upcoming job losses.
The layoffs will affect 88 employees over the coming months as the facility winds down operations. The first phase of layoffs is expected to begin on June 5, 2026.
Lifetouch Restructuring Leads to Closure of Galion Production Facility
Lifetouch, founded in 1936, currently operates as a part of the Shutterfly platform. Lifetouch provides school photography services, including yearbooks, sports, headshots, and more.
According to the WARN notice filed on March 3, 2026, the company is closing its Galion facility. The decision will impact 88 workers at the facility located at 1371 State Highway 598.
In the notice, the company said the decision to close the facility comes after it chose to exit the secondary school photography market, and it now needs to reduce its manufacturing operations to match a smaller business scale.
The layoffs are scheduled to start on June 5, 2026, and all production activity is expected to end by October 30, 2026. Final employee separations are scheduled for December 24, 2026.
The company stated that the job losses will be permanent and that the entire Galion production facility will close as part of a broader restructuring effort.
What Is a WARN Notice?
Enacted in 1988, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN Act, is a federal law. It requires employers with 100 or more workers to provide advance notice before large layoffs or facility closures.
The employer must notify workers and government officials at least 60 days before a mass layoff. The notice gives employees time to prepare for job loss and allows local workforce agencies to provide assistance and job placement support.
WARN filings are often used by state labor departments and local officials to track upcoming layoffs and coordinate help for affected workers.
Support for Affected Workers
According to the WARN filing, the layoffs will affect workers across several roles at the Galion facility. Positions impacted include machine operators and production technicians, along with supervisors, managers, IT support staff, and warehouse associates.
Lifetouch will provide several resources to employees affected by the closure. Eligible workers may receive separation pay if they agree to the company’s terms.
In addition, employees will have access to career workshops organized through Randstad RiseSmart. These sessions will focus on resume preparation, interview techniques, and job search strategies.
Some management-level employees may also qualify for extended outplacement services for several months. The company noted that all affected workers will continue to have access to its Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential support and guidance during the transition.
As the facility winds down, the layoffs mark the end of decades of Lifetouch production in Galion.
