Centennial syrup maker vows no layoffs as AI reshapes the workforce
Torani, a 101-year-old syrup producer, says it will keep its zero-layoff policy even as generative AI threatens many white-collar jobs.
Torani, founded in San Francisco in 1925 and now based in San Leandro, has maintained a strict no-layoff rule throughout its history, surviving multiple economic crises. Under Melanie Dulbecco’s 35-year tenure as CEO, the company expanded from a nine-person operation to a $800 million business with 500 employees and a product line of over 150 syrups. Facing the rise of generative and agentic AI that is eliminating millions of jobs nationwide, Dulbecco said the firm will not use AI to cut headcount but will instead seek to generate new, higher-value positions.
She highlighted the company’s wealth-sharing plan, including annual bonuses tied to revenue and a stock-ownership program for workers after one year of service. Dulbecco believes that a strong employee-first culture encourages staff to embrace new technologies, ensuring the century-old model can survive another industrial shift.
Why it matters
It shows how a long-standing company plans to balance AI adoption with a commitment to job security for its workforce.
In this story
