Closure Of 2 Grocery Store Distribution Centers Announced

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- Collington Services says it will close two grocery store distribution centers in Prince George's County.

The firm notified the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation on Wednesday it expects to start layoffs in December and cut 191 jobs from distribution centers in Landover and Upper Marlboro. The layoffs will continue past Jan. 1.

Officials say the move could affect about 700 full- and part-time employees.

Collington Services says it will move operations to Pennsylvania and Cecil County in Maryland.

The wholesaler employed about 900 people in Prince George's County last year.

Director of warehouse operations Mark Pitts says the company intends to work with unions that represent employees and non-union associates to ensure a "fair and equitable" transition.