Alcohol distributor says hundreds of Washington workers face potential layoffs

Alcohol distributor Republic National Distributing Co. has disclosed potential layoffs to 267 Washington employees.

In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed with the state this week, RNDC said it expects a third party to buy operations in Auburn, Everett, Seattle and Spokane. The company said in the notice that although the buyer might want to keep certain employees and RNDC might also retain some, there is no guarantee.

Texas-based RNDC in April announced a nonbinding letter of intent to sell certain distribution rights in Washington and Oregon to Columbia Distributing, headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon. The companies didn't disclose financial terms but said the deal "is designed to support long-term continuity for suppliers and customers, while expanding Columbia’s geographic reach and operational capabilities."

"These notices are intended to comply with legal requirements associated with a potential transaction and do not represent confirmed layoffs, facility closures, or a completed transaction," an RNDC spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "The proposed transactions remain pending and subject to further negotiations, approvals, and closing conditions. There are no immediate changes to current operations or employment status, and RNDC continues to operate independently in these markets unless and until any transaction is completed."

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2026/05/22/republic-rndc-columbia-auburn-everett-spokane.html