AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods has announced major changes in the way it will process and distribute prepared foods. The company announced, in a statement provided to local news sources, that it plans to close three regional kitchen facilities along the East Coast as part of a broader push toward corporate consolidation.
“As part of our ongoing plan to streamline operations, we have decided to leverage the expertise of our supplier network to create some of the high-quality prepared foods sold in our stores,” Whole Foods said, in a written statement provided to news source the Austin American-Statesman. “After careful consideration, we have decided to close our three remaining regional kitchen facilities.”
According to the news source, these regional facilities are the last operated directly by Whole Foods. In other parts of the country, prepared items are prepared in-store or provided by outside vendors.
The three facilities—in Everett, Massachusetts; Landover, Maryland; and Altanta, Georgia—currently employ roughly 500 people. Affected employees were given sixty days’ notice, and according to the Amercian-Statesman, the retailer plans to retain and relocate as many of these employees as possible.
"We are working closely with all affected team members and expect that most will find new positions within the company or with our suppliers," the company explained. "We will continue to invest in culinary innovation and hospitality to further differentiate our brand, including our in-store venues and our freshly prepared onsite offerings."
Whole Foods employs more than 87,000 and operates 467 stores across the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. The company plans to announce earnings for its most recent fiscal quarter on February 8th.
These streamlining efforts arrive on the tail of flurry of rumors that Whole Foods may intend to sell to one of several potential suitors. Could this recent streamlining effort be intended to make the company more attractive to potential buyers? Check out our previous coverage here and here.
For further developments, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
