Essendant Announces Multistate Restructuring Affecting 1,278 Jobs, Including 103 in California

Essendant is carrying out a multistate restructuring that will eliminate a total of 1,278 jobs across six states as it closes facilities and seeks potential sales or new capital to avoid liquidation. The company is cutting another 103 positions in California (99 at its Sacramento distribution center and 4 at its Perris operation) and is planning large reductions in Illinois (510 at Lincolnshire offices and 134 in Carol Stream) as well as actions affecting employees in Georgia (192), Pennsylvania (150), Texas (136) and Arizona (53). Many of the layoffs and facility closures are scheduled to take effect Oct. 3, and the WARN notices indicate Essendant is exploring strategic alternatives including potential transactions and new financing. The moves follow a recent shift in the company's strategy toward janitorial/sanitation, foodservice and technology and a streamlined distribution network; Essendant has not announced a buyer, new financing, bankruptcy filing or decision to liquidate.

Essendant cut 1,278 jobs in TX as of October 3, 2026.

That is roughly 63.9% of the 2,000 people Essendant employs.

LayoffTalk has tracked 25 layoff events at Essendant since September 2025, including 1,369 jobs documented in official WARN filings, with 13 additional events known from news reporting.