ORLANDO, Fla. - Walgreens is closing its distribution center in Orlando and plans to lay off over 300 people, a spokesperson for the company confirmed to FOX 35 on Monday.
The Orlando distribution center, located at 2455 Premier Row, will close on May 17. Walgreens said its distribution in Dayville, Connecticut, will also be shut down. It was a "difficult decision," a spokesperson said.
In total, 646 roles will be eliminated – half of which are in Orlando.
Walgreens' counsel submitted a letter of the site closure and planned layoffs on Thursday. FOX 35 obtained a copy of this letter, which said affected employees at the Orlando distribution center have received a 60-day notice regarding the layoffs.
"All affected employees will remain employed and receive their full compensation and benefits for the entire 60-day period or until they resign, whichever occurs first," the letter said. "We expect these reductions in force to be permanent, and we will provide all affected employees with the opportunity to participate in on-site career fairs and/or outplacement services to assist with their transition to other employment."
The change comes as Walgreens shifts its "operational structure to best serve our patients and customers," a spokesperson said. The distribution centers are closing "in order to streamline capacities to best support our stores."
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"We are grateful for the many contributions our team members at these facilities have made and we are committed to supporting them during this transition," the spokesperson added.
This is a developing story.