Amid Amazon contract loss, Bristol courier to close; 74 layoffs expected

A Boston-based courier has informed state labor officials it will shut down operations at an Amazon fulfillment center in Bristol next month after expanding there just over a year ago.
 
Urban Mobility Now LLC, which provides delivery service in Connecticut and Massachusetts, notified the state Department of Labor (DOL) last week it plans to cease work at 71 Horizon Dr. on or around Oct. 9 due to a “significant downturn in business and accompanying contract termination” with Amazon.
 
The closure will result in 74 layoffs, the company said in a WARN notice filed with DOL. The notice is required by federal law for employers to provide advance notification of major closings and layoffs.
 
The company said the layoffs will be permanent and may occur in stages depending on the need for workers as its contract with Amazon comes to an end. Health insurance coverage for employees will end on the last day of October, it said.
 
“The company will not attempt to continue operation of its courier service by obtaining additional contract or new business,” wrote Greg Hall, regional director of Urban Mobility Now. “Therefore, no company employee who is being laid off should count on being recalled to employment with the company.”
 
Hall said the company will assist employees, which are not represented by a union, in their transition.
 
The company could not be reached for comment.