CRN Exclusive: Ingram Micro Conducts Round Of Layoffs, With More To Come

‘You may have heard that today we made the difficult decision to undergo a small reduction in force within our US organization to align our resources with our current business environment. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact this has on our valued team members,’ wrote Kirk Robinson, Ingram Micro executive vice president and president of the North America business, in an internal memo.

Ingram Micro is going through another round of layoffs, including the laying off of some of its middle managers, although the distributor has been holding the full extent of its workforce reductions close to its chest.

More can be expected as the Irvine, Calif.-based distributor expects to close an advanced logistics facility this summer.

CRN has learned via multiple sources at Ingram Micro that the company has had a few rounds of layoffs, the most recent of which happened last week.

It is uncertain how many people were laid off. However, CRN has learned via Ingram Micro and industry sources that a number of middle management employees were let go during this round.

One former employee who was recently laid off from Ingram Micro who requested anonymity told CRN via email that the recent layoff rounds seemed to have “no rhyme or reason” in terms of who was let go and who was retained.

“The messaging from leadership is always the same, you’re the CEO of your career, feel free to go elsewhere; they don't even make an attempt to alleviate the low morale or fear of being in the next round of layoffs in a few months or to keep quality staff,” the former employee said.

Kirk Robinson, executive vice president and president of the company’s North America business, told employees via an email dated Feb. 22 addressed to “Team” that the company made the “difficult decision” to do a workforce reduction. CRN received a copy of that email, and the authenticity was confirmed by an Ingram Micro spokesperson.

“You may have heard that today we made the difficult decision to undergo a small reduction in force within our US organization to align our resources with our current business environment. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact this has on our valued team members.

“We are committed to supporting all affected employees through this transition and are providing comprehensive assistance, including severance packages and outplacement resources.

“Be assured that our commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience to our channel partners and associates remains unchanged, and we are confident that the steps we are taking will position the company for long-term success,” Robinson wrote.

Ingram Micro declined to discuss the layoffs. However, an Ingram Micro spokesperson told CRN via email that the distributor will close its advanced logistics facility in O’Fallon, Mo., at the end June, which will result in the elimination of 60 positions.

“This decision was made as part of a larger optimization plan to provide efficiency and utilization of our processing facilities, and we realize these changes are significant to those impacted. We will continue to serve our customers and partners in the region through our advanced logistics center located in Greer, South Carolina,” the spokesperson wrote.

CJ Fairfield contributed to this story.