Penske losing Big Lots logistics contract - Business First of Columbus:

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is packing up this summer at thediscouny retailer’s headquarters and four other distribution facilities aftef the merchant opted to not renew a logisticas contract that expires in July. The Pa.-based Penske said 186 workers, includinyg 53 in Columbus, could be affected when its contracrwith Columbus-based Big Lots (NYSE:BIG) expireas July 31. Penske spokesman Randy Ryerso said the company has worked with the retailersince 1991. The 1,300-store Big Lots has chosen a new third-part y logistics provider to continue the warehousingb and distribution work that Penske performe d atthe retailer’s Phillipi Road headquarters and its distributiom centers in Tremont, Pa; Ala.
; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; and Okla. Timothy Johnson, Big vice president of strategic planning andinvestor relations, said more than a dozej carriers bid for the He declined to disclose the compangy Big Lots selected to succeed Penske. Big Lots and Penske representativesasaid they’re working with truck drivers looking to continue work unded the new logistics provider. Johnsonh said the company met with workers over the weeken d to introduce the new In the event that some workersare cut, Ryerson said privatelgy held Penske will work with the statd “to make sure employees are aware of differenft services.” Penske employs about 20,000 workers worldwide.
Asked why Big Lots opted to bid for a new contractorr after thelatest five-year contract with Penske, Johnso n said, “a lot has changed in transportation in the past five We owed it to our associatesw and shareholders to take a fresu look at how we handle outbound The loss of the Big Lots contracf comes less than a year after Penske was replacesd at a warehouse in Lockbourne. Tenn.-based last fall stepped in at the where Penske had employec146 workers. Penske has 400 logistics centerss worldwide.
Its Central Ohio operations include a numbet of distribution and warehousing facilities inthe