Ahold USA has announced it is transferring its warehouse operations in Lancaster and Cheektowaga to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a move that will eliminate 600 jobs in Western New York.
In a statement, Jan van Dam, executive vice president of supply chain and e-commerce for Ahold USA said, “Decisions to transfer facilities are not easy and we understand the concern that this change will cause for ASC associates and their families. We are committed to treating all associates affected by this decision in a fair and respectful way.”
Ahold USA operates American Sales Company warehouses on Walden Avenue in Lancaster and Scrivner Place in Cheektowaga. According to its website, ACS provides products to more than 700 supermarkets across the United States.
The company did own Tops Markets in Buffalo, but sold the grocery store chain in 2007. Since that time, company representatives say it's had no ties to Buffalo, and is not located close enough to the stores it serves.
"These facilities are no longer located in the markets served by Ahold USA's retail divisions."
The fact that more than 600 people are losing their jobs is not going over well with newly elected Lancaster Town Supervisor Johanna Metz-Coleman.
"It's devastating. I'm sure that we have quite a number of Lancaster residents who work there. It's devastating for the entire area," she said.
Work will be transferred from Western New York to C&S facilities in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and South Hatfield, Massachusetts. The transition is expected to start in April and be completed by August.
Ahold is offering severance packages to its full time employees.
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