Bi-Lo Laying off 130

Bi-Lo plans to lay off 130 employees at its corporate office in Mauldin, S.C., over the next few weeks as part of the Southeast regional grocer's reorganization and relocation to Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville is the headquarters of Winn-Dixie, with which Bi-Lo merged last year. Layoffs are set to begin next month, on April 17.

The combined grocery chains operate almost 690 grocery stores and employ 63,000 people in eight states.

Those affected were informed "many months ago," according to BI-Lo Senior Director of Communications and Community Brian Wright, who added that they will receive severance pay and career transition services, and are welcome to apply for any job openings that become available.

Despite the move to Jacksonville, Bi-Lo isn’t deserting Mauldin. Anthea Jones, who recently replaced Michael Byars as Bi-Lo president, will remain there, and Wright noted that the company would "maintain a.strong presence through local and distribution support" in its original hometown.

Added Wright, "We anticipate growing, investing in our communities and adding more jobs over time across our footprint."