BI-LO is in the process of laying off 130 people at its former headquarters in Mauldin, S.C., according to the South Carolina Radio Network, which reports that a company spokesman confirmed the news in an email. The layoffs were expected as part of the company’s relocation to Jacksonville, Fla.
The move, the report says, is related to BI-LO’s merger with Winn-Dixie last year. While company officials say they plan to keep a presence in Mauldin, the new corporate headquarters will be at Winn-Dixie’s offices in Jacksonville.
“To be clear, this is not a new announcement or initiative within the company. All associates, and particularly those in affected positions, were made aware of the plan to reorganize many months ago,” Senior Director of Communications and Community Brian Wright said in a statement, according to the Radio Network report.
Wright said BI-LO will offer severance pay and will allow employees to apply for any openings in Florida.
The email did not explain what types of jobs will be affected by the layoffs that begin April 17 or how many positions remain. About 500 people once worked there. Wright said BI-LO President Anthea Jones would remain at the Mauldin location. Jones stepped into that role earlier this year, as first reported by The Shelby Report.
The grocery chain, now called BI-LO Holding, will keep the BI-LO and Winn-Dixie brand names at its nearly 700 grocery stores across the Southeast.
