FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- United Natural Foods (UNFI), a major food distributor in North America, will shut down its warehousing and office operations in Fort Wayne, according to a company spokesperson. The transition will happen in early 2025 and will affect 156 workers in operational and administrative roles. According to UNFI, the move will provide customers with more fresh food options while also allowing suppliers to get to customers more efficiently. The company plans to keep "a number of" drivers in Fort Wayne as part of UNFI's restructured transportation operations. The full statement from the company can be viewed below: At UNFI, we are continuously evaluating our distribution network to ensure we are serving our customers and suppliers as efficiently and effectively as possible. As part of these efforts, we will be ending warehousing and office operations from our Fort Wayne, Ind., distribution center in early 2025 and will transition customers and suppliers currently serviced out of Fort Wayne to nearby, modernized distribution centers in our network. Following this transition, our customers will gain access to a broader product assortment, including more fresh options, and our suppliers will be able to reach customers more efficiently.  Consolidating our Fort Wayne DC will impact 156 associates in operational and administrative roles, though we will retain a number of drivers as part of our restructured transportation operations in Fort Wayne. We are grateful for the many contributions team members at this facility have made and are committed to working with all those affected by this transition in the best way possible. United Natural Foods