Community Corner

Upper Mac Officials Surprised By JCPenney Closing

Published report says retailer will close local distribution facility and shed 325 workers.

Upper Macungie Township officials said they were surprised to hear about published reports concerning the scheduled Feb. 1, 2012 closing of a local JCPenney distribution center that would place approximately 325 people out of work.

"This is the first we've heard of it and it is a disturbing sign of the times. We're surprised to hear about this," said Upper Macungie supervisor Kathy Rader.

The published report quoted a Plano, Texas-based company spokesman who said the 500,000 square-foot distribution center, opened at 650 Boulder Drive in 2002, is readjusting to the needs of the business to serve online and existing stores.

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Rader said she recalled the facility handled catalog sales when it first opened.

The published report said the Boulder Drive facility currently provides stock to 80 stores in several different states, including Pennsylvania stores.

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