Schnucks to Cut 190 DC Employees

Schnuck Markets Inc. expects to cut 190 union employees from its distribution center in Bridgeton, Mo., as a result of its move to a new, more modern facility in Kinloch that will be operated by an independent third-party logistics company.

“We have outgrown our Bridgeton warehouses; they are very old, and as a result, inefficient by today's standards,” the St. Louis-based grocery chain said in a statement. “The new facility offers an efficient layout that nearly doubles the space we currently have. It also increases service capabilities because of its improved design.”

While Bridgeton will continue to operate as a dry warehouse, Schnucks plans to start moving portions of its inventory to the new center beginning in July. As a result, 190 union positions at Bridgeton will be eliminated from late July through September, which the grocer notes is 1.7 percent of its 10,804 union employees.

“This does not impact our transportation and fleet maintenance groups or positions in stores, store support or other areas of the company,” Schnucks stated. Affected employees may be offered other positions in the company or severance packages.

The retailer said the move “was carefully considered and, we believe, further positions Schnucks for growth and is in the best long-term interest of our customers and teammates.”

Last May, Schnucks eliminated 52 positions in several departments and levels within the company’s headquarters.

Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets Inc. operates 99 stores and 94 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.