KC-area pharmaceutical company announces mass layoffs, blames Trump tariffs

One of Mission’s largest employers announced mass layoffs in the company last week, citing financial concerns and a “challenging environment” brought on by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

ScriptPro, a pharmacy robotics and automation company, sent an email on May 16 to inform employees of the workforce reduction and offered people a voluntary separation package.

“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 to adjust to fast moving market changes,” Mike Coughlin, ScriptPro’s chairman, CEO and founder said in a statement.

In April, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and imposed a 10% tariff on all countries as part of an effort to “strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect American workers,” according to a White House Fact Sheet.

According to the Tax Foundation — a tax policy research nonprofit — tariffs are taxes imposed by one country on goods imported from another country that can often raise prices, reduce available quantities for goods and services for U.S. businesses.

ScriptPro in Mission

ScriptPro opened in 1994 and employs nearly 500 employees at its facility at 5828 Reeds Road— making it one of Mission’s largest employers.. The city of Mission did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

“No company cares more about its employee team than ScriptPro,” CEO Coughlin said in the statement. “We pledge to do all we can to remain stable and the leader in our markets.”

Tracy Thomas, ScriptPro’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, sent the email to employees last week. It didn’t include the total number of employees that will be laid off. Employees will be offered severance pay, continuation of certain benefits and outplacement services.

“This decision, as hard as it was, was necessary to maintain our company’s financial health in the face of a challenging environment, ensure long-term growth and success, and continue to advance our mission for our customers,” Thomas said in the email sent to employees.

Thomas added in the email that the company will implement reductions through “involuntary separations” and possibly furloughs.

Employees have until Friday at noon to accept the package.

“We recognize this is both a difficult message and a difficult time,” she said in the email. “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.”

This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 4:14 PM.