Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (GMCR), Waterbury,
Vt., will change its wholesale distribution
model in the northeast United
States from a direct-store model to a
distributor-based model, the company said.
The specialty coffee business unit of GMCR will transition
direct customer support in the northeast United
States to Pine State Trading Co., Augusta, Maine.
The transaction, which is expected to close Sept. 13, 2010, will include
responsibility for sales representation, order management, delivery and
equipment service.
“With its strong reputation for customer service in the
region, Pine State Trading is an ideal partner for us, our customers, and our
employees as we make this change,” said Scott McCreary, president of GMCR’s
specialty coffee business unit, in a statement. “Together, we’ll work to ensure
a seamless transition for customers.”
Pine State Trading also will assume operations of GMCR
regional operations centers in Southington, Conn.; Biddeford, Maine; Wilmington, Mass.; and Latham, N.Y. GMCR expects 121 employees to be
affected by the transition, with most of those either continuing employment
with the company or being offered jobs with Pine State Trading.
