Over 400 food distribution employees in Wisconsin to lose jobs after facility closure

United Natural Foods, Inc. is closing its Sturtevant, Wisconsin distribution center, resulting in 443 layoffs.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:04am

Over 400 employees at a food distribution facility in southern Wisconsin are set to lose their jobs in the summer after the company United Natural Foods, Inc. announced it would close its building in Sturtevant. According to a letter from the company to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the layoffs will begin on June 20 and continue through August 1, affecting positions such as selectors, lift operators, and delivery drivers.

Why it matters

The closure of this major food distribution center in Wisconsin will have a significant economic impact on the local community, with over 400 people losing their jobs. It highlights the challenges facing the food distribution industry and the ripple effects that facility shutdowns can have on regional employment.

The details

In a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, United Natural Foods, Inc. stated that it is closing its distribution center in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, leading to 443 layoffs. The majority of the positions being eliminated are selectors (109), lift operators (82), and delivery drivers (49). The layoffs will occur in two phases, with the first round beginning on June 20 and the second round starting on August 1.

  • The layoffs will begin on June 20, 2026.
  • The second round of layoffs will start on August 1, 2026.

The players

United Natural Foods, Inc.

A major food distribution company that is closing its facility in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, resulting in 443 layoffs.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

The state agency that received the letter from United Natural Foods, Inc. regarding the upcoming layoffs at the Sturtevant facility.

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The takeaway

The closure of this United Natural Foods distribution center in Wisconsin highlights the economic challenges facing the food distribution industry and the significant impact that facility shutdowns can have on local communities and employment.