C&S Wholesale Grocers Announces Closure of Baldwin Distribution Center

Baldwin, Florida – C&S Wholesale Grocers Announces Distribution Center Closure

C&S Wholesale Grocers has announced the impending closure of its distribution center located at 15500 West Beaver St. in Baldwin, Florida. The closure will take effect on July 4, 2025, resulting in the permanent layoff of approximately 490 employees over a 14-day period. This decision affects a range of positions, including 132 drivers and 34 forklift operators.

Employees directly impacted by the layoffs do not have union representation, and there are no bumping rights available. However, some employees may have the option to transfer to other C&S locations as the company works to provide alternate employment opportunities.

Details of the Facility and Company Background

The Baldwin distribution center, which spans 1.2 million square feet on a 200-acre site, was developed by Winn-Dixie Properties LLC between 2000 and 2001 and was sold in 2013 for nearly $100 million. According to Duval County property records, the current owner of the property is ARC WDJKVFL001 LLC, managed by Southeastern Grocers.

C&S Wholesale Grocers has been an integral part of the supply chain for Winn-Dixie and other Southeastern Grocers since a partnership agreement formed in 2013. This agreement followed the merger of Jacksonville-based Winn-Dixie and Greenville-based Bi-Lo Holdings in 2012, which led to the formation of Southeastern Grocers.

Recent Developments Affecting Southeastern Grocers

Southeastern Grocers has been actively restructuring its operations following a series of acquisitions, including a notable transaction in February 2024, where a group led by CEO Anthony Hucker acquired 170 stores from Aldi. This followed Aldi’s acquisition of around 400 stores from Southeastern Grocers earlier that year. The restructuring process has not clearly outlined the future impact on staffing and overall operations.

Notifications and Company Commitment

C&S Wholesale Services officially notified the state and the Town of Baldwin about the closure of the distribution center on April 30, 2025. Despite the closure, C&S Wholesale Grocers remains committed to growth and expanding its customer base, affirming its position as an industry leader in wholesale grocery supply and supply chain solutions across the United States.

Additionally, the company continues to lease the Edgewood Court facility in West Jacksonville as a hub for warehouse and distribution purposes, ensuring ongoing operations in the region.

Company Profile

Founded in 1918, C&S Wholesale Grocers distributes over 100,000 different products to more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions across various states, including Florida. The impending closure of the Baldwin center marks a significant shift in operations for the company, prompting concerns among employees and the local community.

The forthcoming layoffs at the Baldwin distribution center mark a challenging chapter for C&S Wholesale Grocers as it navigates structural changes within the grocery supply landscape.