UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Collington Services LLC, a subsidiary of C&S Wholesale Grocers, is closing two Safeway distribution centers in Maryland.
The company plans to shut down operations at a grocery distribution center in Upper Marlboro and a general merchandise distribution center in Landover in a move that could affect up to 700 employees, the Washington Business Journal reports.
Collington Services said in a statement that it would move operations at the warehouses to Pennsylvania and Cecil County. Both facilities have served Safeway since 2000.
The closures will occur over time and into 2016, company spokesman Wade Gates told the Washington Business Journal.
“This is a very difficult situation,” said Mark Pitts, Collington Service’s Director of Warehouse Operations. “We intend to work closely with the unions that represent our employees and with our non-union associates in order to ensure that everyone can participate in a transition plan that is fair and equitable.”
A notice filed with the state under the Worker Adjustment and Restraining Notification Act stated that the company would cut 191 positions, including full- and part-time workers, beginning on December 5, according to the Washington Business Journal. Employees may apply for jobs at other C&S facilities in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
C&S says that it serves approximately 5,000 stores from more than 50 locations in 15 states. The company says it works with retailers including Stop & Shop, Giant of Carlisle, Giant of Landover, BI-LO/Winn-Dixie, A&P, Safeway, and Target.
