VF Corporation to close Martinsville distribution center by 2025, impacting jobs

HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — VF Corporation will be closing its distribution center in Martinsville by 2025.

Henry County Administrator Dale Wagoner said VFC alerted the county of the closing.

“The staff at Vanity Fair did reach out to county staff and our economic development to let us know that they would be selling their facility over the next year, in March 2025,” Wagoner said.

The county found out a few days ago prior to letting the employees know. Wagoner said it is unclear how many folks will lose their job.

“We have not been given that information, but I know that 150 work there, but there will be some opportunity for some of them to go to other facilities,” Wagoner said. “Actually, how many are going to lose their jobs, I don’t have any information on that.”

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Wagoner said although it’s sad news, they have hope for other job opportunities for those employees.

“Of course, it is disappointing news for our community, but the economy is in an interesting place right now,” Wagoner said. “There are sectors of it that are doing really well, and then there are other parts that are being impacted by global demand and supply chain issues and all the like. In this case, with VF, it’s still feeling the effects of the pandemic and the loss it had during that time. It’s sad news, but it’s something we can overcome.”

Wagoner said it is closing at a good time.

“Fortunately if it had to happen, now is a pretty good time when our economy is doing well and unemployment is really low. There is many other job opportunities in our community,” Wagoner said.

Now, Wagoner said the county is looking for other companies to come in and take over the 500,000-square-foot building.

“We are going to work with our economic developers to market the building, to let the world know we have a modern distribution center. So, it would be a good location for a tenant,” Wagoner said.

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Ashley McCormack, the Director of External Communications, gave the following statement to ABC13:

“As part of VF’s Reinvent strategy, we have evaluated how we are shipping products to best meet the needs of our customers. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to close the Martinsville, VA Distribution Center. This transition will deliver operational efficiencies, consolidate our operations, and reduce real estate costs. The biggest impact and focus for us in this transition is our VF associates. The distribution center will continue to operate as it currently does through March 2025, and we will support the team through the final days of operations. The entire VF organization extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to our teammates who work within the facility for their steadfast dedication and commitment for over the last two decades.”

ABC13 reached out to VFC about how many jobs could be lost, but have not yet heard back.