FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manufacturing Pathways Consortium Hosts Rapid-Response Job Fair Following Brake Parts Layoffs
McHenry County, IL — February 25, 2026 — In response to the recent layoffs impacting more than 300 employees at Brake Parts, the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium (MPC), in partnership with McHenry County College (MCC), the McHenry County Workforce Network (MCWN), the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), and the City of McHenry, organized a rapid-response pop-up Job Fair to connect displaced workers with local manufacturing employers.
Brake Parts has operated in McHenry County for decades and has been a longstanding presence in the region’s manufacturing sector, making the closure a significant workforce event for the community.
This event brought together nineteen MPC manufacturing member companies and welcomed more than one hundred impacted employees now seeking new opportunities within McHenry County.
The job fair was designed to provide immediate, face-to-face access to hiring employers, allowing individuals to explore available roles across a wide range of manufacturing sectors. In addition to connecting directly with companies, attendees were introduced to MPC’s Common Hiring Application, a streamlined application process that allows job seekers to submit an application that is shared across participating local manufacturing employers.
“The job fair was a great success bringing job seekers impacted by a layoff and connecting them with businesses within their industry,” said Dr. Jake Rohn, Director of the McHenry County Workforce Network Board. “The fast turnaround by McHenry County College, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, McHenry County Workforce Network, City of McHenry, and the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium to provide rapid response services for the job seekers experiencing a plant closure shows the collaborative nature of our community and the strong manufacturing sector partnership that has been built here in McHenry County.”
The turnout from both employers and job seekers reflects the resilience of McHenry County’s workforce and the depth of its manufacturing base. By working together across education, workforce development, economic development, and industry, the region demonstrated its ability to respond quickly and effectively during times of transition.
About the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium
The Manufacturing Pathways Consortium (MPC) is a collaborative group of manufacturers, educators, and community partners focused on building a sustainable talent pipeline and increasing awareness of careers in manufacturing. Through initiatives such as the Common Hiring Application, the Summer High School Internship Program, Manufacturing Month events, and ongoing employer collaboration, MPC works to strengthen long-term workforce development across the region.
For more information about the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium, visit mfgpathways.com or contact Maria Andrade, mandrade@mchenry.edu.