It is a story well-known to hundreds of thousands of employees in the United States; a company is forced to restructure or downsize by a lost contract. In this case, Randolph, Massachusetts-based Burke Distributing Corporation, a fourth-generation beer and beverage distributor has announced the layoff of approximately 72 employees who worked on accounts associated with Red Bull energy drinks.
According to Burke President and CEO Bill Burke, "Due to unforeseen circumstances arising out of the termination of a major business contract, Burke Distributing Corporation will be conducting a mass layoff at its corporate offices."
Santa Monica, California-based Red Bull has decided to change its beverage distribution model in favor of an in-house division to be known as Red Bull Distribution Company. According to a company spokesperson, "Our goal is providing the most effective and efficient route to market in every geography. We are committed to the three-tier distribution model, optimizing all elements of the value chain and continuing to elevate the entire network’s capability. Route to market changes in recent years have included awarding territory to independently owned third-party distributors in some markets and launching our own distribution program in others.” Red Bull Distribution Company operates in 22 states with 82 warehouses and more than 2,000 employees.
Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere ... are you now wondering, Am I Next?