Food distribution company Sysco Canada is shutting down its Kingston warehouse.
In an email to CKWS, Camillla Zuckero, the external communications director for Sysco, confirmed the Kingston plant will close on June 2. The company is moving the Kingston operations to other warehouse locations.
It was about 16 years ago when the company expanded into Kingston, moving into an existing 156,000-square foot facility at Cataraqui Woods Drive and Gardiners Road.
Zuckero says the closure is part of a comprehensive growth and consolidation plan, adding the closure was a difficult decision, but that the company believes it’s in the best interest of Sysco Canada’s long-term growth and success.
The company adds it will be working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
Sysco would not comment on the number of jobs that may be affected but it’s believed it could be dozens. CKWS has learned employees working in operations, transportation and in the warehouse could be impacted. The customer service and purchasing teams will remain with the company.
The Kingston Economic Development Corporation is aware of the closure. It’s now reaching out to Employment Ontario to help the affected people find new jobs.
“We’re also starting to contact some of our manufacturing clients to see what availability they have right now, what positions are becoming available,” said Carey Bidtnes, business development officer.
Mayor Bryan Paterson says the closure is unfortunate but adds that’s why the city is trying to attract new companies.
“It really shows how important it is to make sure we continually have new companies that are coming to town to be able to offer jobs to people here in Kingston,” said Paterson.
And the sprawling building located in the city’s west end could help with that going forward. Bidtnes says because of its size, it could be in high demand not only for a local company looking to expand, but also new businesses looking to branch out into Kingston.