In a move to modernize its operations, United Parcel Service (UPS) has announced its plans to close a distribution warehouse located in Baltimore County. The closure of the facility, situated at 3901 Vero Road, will result in the layoff of 540 workers, as reported in the Maryland Department of Labor's database.

UPS notified the department on June 20th that the facility will cease operations on August 23rd. The 182,000-square foot warehouse, conveniently located off Interstate 95, just southwest of Baltimore city limits, will undergo significant modernization as part of UPS's strategy to increase automation through the implementation of robotics and artificial intelligence.

Although the closure will be temporary, UPS has not disclosed the number of employees that will be required once the facility reopens in 2025. Nevertheless, the company has affirmed its commitment to supporting the impacted workers during this transition period, with efforts to place as many employees as possible in other positions at their onsite temporary hub or nearby facilities.

UPS has assured customers that this closure will not affect the level of service provided to the Baltimore community, as the company has plans in place to ensure continued operations seamlessly.

This isn't the first instance of layoffs at the facility, as in March, UPS laid off 118 people, as recorded in the state database. Last year, unionized UPS employees negotiated significant pay raises, as reported by The New York Times. However, in January of this year, UPS CEO Carol Tomé announced plans to lay off approximately 12,000 employees throughout the year.

As UPS pursues its modernization plans, it remains to be seen how these changes will reshape its operations and the future employment landscape for its workers.