MISSION, KANSAS — ScriptPro, one of Mission’s largest employers and a leader in pharmacy automation technology, has announced significant workforce reductions this week, attributing the move to financial strain worsened by recent tariffs enacted by the federal government.
The company, which has operated in the Kansas City suburb since 1994, disclosed the layoffs in an internal email sent to employees on May 16. While the exact number of affected workers has not been publicly confirmed, the communication outlined plans for both voluntary and involuntary separations, with some employees potentially facing furloughs.
Tariffs Blamed for Economic Pressure
The announcement follows an April declaration by former President Donald Trump, who imposed a 10% tariff on all countries under a national emergency order. The stated goal of the policy, according to an official White House fact sheet, was to reinforce the country’s economic position and protect domestic jobs.
But for companies like ScriptPro, which rely on a global supply chain for their sophisticated pharmaceutical systems, the tariffs have introduced new operational hurdles.
“In these times of tariffs and other economic uncertainties, it is most critical that any company, particularly a company engaged in pharmacy systems, be right-sized and nimble,” said Mike Coughlin, ScriptPro’s CEO, chairman, and founder, in a public statement.
Support for Affected Employees
The email, signed by Tracy Thomas, the company’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, informed employees of severance packages, continued benefits, and outplacement support to assist those impacted by the restructuring.
“This decision, as hard as it was, was necessary to maintain our company’s financial health in the face of a challenging environment,” Thomas wrote. “We are committed to supporting you through this period and want to make sure that you are well-informed so you can make the best decisions for yourself.”
Employees were given until Friday at noon to opt into the voluntary separation package. The company has not disclosed how many accepted the offer.
Local Impact and Community Response
ScriptPro’s headquarters at 5828 Reeds Road houses nearly 500 employees, making it a cornerstone of Mission’s local economy. City officials have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the layoffs or their potential impact on the community.
Founded more than three decades ago, ScriptPro specializes in robotics and automation systems used by pharmacies nationwide. Despite the layoffs, Coughlin reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its mission and market leadership.
“No company cares more about its employee team than ScriptPro,” Coughlin said. “We pledge to do all we can to remain stable and the leader in our markets.”
Understanding the Broader Economic Context
The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax policy research organization, notes that tariffs often function as indirect taxes on businesses and consumers. They can lead to higher costs for imported goods, limit supply, and create broader challenges for firms operating in globally connected industries.
While ScriptPro has not specified which tariffs are affecting its operations most directly, the company’s global manufacturing and component sourcing processes likely place it squarely in the crosshairs of current trade policies.
For more details on national emergency declarations and tariff measures, information can be found on official U.S. government websites such as those hosted by the White House or the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
