In a notice to state and local officials, grocery products distributor UNFI said it plans to shutter its distribution center in Southeast Wisconsin in a move that will eliminate over 400 jobs as it transitions more work to an automation-equipped DC near Chicago.

The Providence, RI-based company said it will close its Sturtevant, WI facility by the start of August 2026, where 443 positions will be eliminated.

The move comes amidst an ongoing supply chain network transformation for UNFI that involves modernizing its DCs with automation and warehouse management technology to improve capacity, efficiency and service to UNFI partners.

Multiple publications report that the Sturtevant closure is part of an effort from UNFI to transfer service from the Milwaukee area DC to its Chicago area facility in Joliet, IL that is expanding to support growth in that market.

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The Joliet DC is reportedly receiving technology improvements that include full-case automation and an advanced warehouse management system.

The news follows UNFI closing its Fort Wayne, IN facility in February 2025.

Meanwhile, UNFI opened a 1 million-square-foot, robotics-driven DC in Sarasota, FL this past September that was the first for the company to use KNAPP’s AI-powered Pick-it-Easy Robit and second to feature KNAPP’s Goods-to-Person automation.

“Opening Sarasota North is a significant investment as we continue to optimize our distribution network for the future,” UNFI Distribution President Jeff Sault said at the time. “By combining advanced automation with a strong focus on the associate experience, we’re not only improving how we serve customers and suppliers — we’re creating a better place to work and a stronger foundation for long-term growth.”

The Sarasota opening followed similar UNFI investments at its facilities in Centralia, WA; Manchester, PA; Carlisle, PA; and other locations.