True Value announces possible closure and layoffs at Kansas City distribution center

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Officials at True Value Hardware notified Missouri officials last week that they could lay off nearly 70 employees and close its distribution center south of Kansas City, Missouri, before the end of the year.

Earlier this month, the 76-year-old Chicago-based company announced it had filed for bankruptcy protection.

NBC Chicago reported that the company announced that its assets would be acquired by rival company Do it Best.

In a document sent to the state on Oct. 15, the company’s human resources director said if the sale to Do it Best or another buyer does not go through, the company could be forced to close its operations, including its distribution center. in Kansas City. at 14900 U.S. Highway 71 in mid-December.

“Our primary objective throughout our strategic assessment process has been – and continues to be – to preserve jobs and avoid or postpone facility closures,” wrote Irma Quintana, CHRO at True Value, in the document.

The company believes the bankruptcy process is the best way to achieve these goals, Quintana said.

Several distribution center employees are represented by Local 541 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

“While bump rights generally exist in the event of layoffs for affected union employees at the Kansas City, MO facility, such rights would not apply in the event of a complete closure,” Quintana said.

The notice of possible closures and layoffs is separate from any actions at True Value stores, which are independently owned and operated.

Seven True Value locations operate in the immediate vicinity of Kansas City, with several more located in the surrounding area. It is not immediately clear which or how many stores might be affected.

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