Mass Layoffs Hit El Paso: 140 Jobs Slashed at Major Auto Plant — Here’s What You Need to Know

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the local workforce, international auto parts manufacturer Tenneco has announced it will be laying off 140 employees at its El Paso facility. The news broke earlier this week as part of a company-wide restructuring effort, and now, residents and industry watchers alike are scrambling to understand what this means for the city’s economy. Tenneco, a global supplier of automotive components and technologies, cited a combination of declining demand, rising material costs, and strategic shifts as the primary reasons for the cuts. The layoffs are set to roll out in two major phases, beginning in February 2025 and continuing through June. For many of the affected workers, this announcement came without warning. "I’ve been with Tenneco for over a decade," said one employee, who asked to remain anonymous. "We were just starting to bounce back after the pandemic. Now I don’t know what’s next for me or my family." The El Paso plant, which has long been a significant employer in the region, specializes in producing exhaust systems and other key automotive components. It has historically been seen as a stable source of blue-collar jobs in the area — making this sudden shift especially painful. Local officials are now stepping in, promising job placement assistance and emergency financial support for the affected families. The Texas Workforce Commission has begun coordinating with Tenneco to set up job fairs and retraining programs in hopes of softening the blow. But the bigger question looms: is this the beginning of a wider trend? As the auto industry continues to grapple with the transition to electric vehicles and automation, many fear that Tenneco’s cuts may be a sign of deeper disruptions to come. Economists also point out that while 140 jobs might seem small on a national scale, in a city like El Paso — where manufacturing plays a vital role — the ripple effects can be dramatic. Fewer jobs means lower spending, weaker consumer confidence, and potential strain on city services. For now, all eyes are on Tenneco and how they’ll support the employees they’re letting go. But one thing is clear: El Paso’s economy just took a major hit, and the road to recovery may be longer than anyone expected.