Rock Hill Faces Job Cuts as McKesson Medical-Surgical Announces Layoffs
Rock Hill is bracing for another round of job cuts as McKesson Medical-Surgical has announced its second layoff in just three months. The decision is part of the company’s plan to close its facility located at 885 Paragon Way in Rock Hill, impacting a total of 179 workers by early March, according to a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) report filed with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce on December 13.
Summary of Layoffs
Reason for Job Cuts
In a statement issued to the community, McKesson stressed that the layoffs are part of broader plans to streamline operations for better efficiency. The statement highlighted, “As part of these initiatives, we have made the difficult decision to close our distribution center in Rock Hill.” Employees were notified about the changes in September, coinciding with the initial WARN notice.
Support for Affected Employees
For those who are losing their jobs, McKesson has promised severance packages along with other “career transition assistance.” The facility is expected to close fully by March, leaving many workers in search of new employment opportunities in a challenging job market.
Company Background
McKesson Medical-Surgical is a significant distributor of medical and surgical supplies, serving hospitals, doctor’s offices, and various other healthcare facilities. The company, which is headquartered in Virginia, is part of the larger McKesson Corporation based in Irving, Texas.
The Rock Hill distribution center was initially opened in 2014 with a promise of bringing over 140 jobs to the area. The project had received state job development credits and a $200,000 grant, signaling its importance to local employment. At that time, the facility was aimed at serving healthcare providers across the Carolinas, including doctors, surgery centers, and long-term care facilities.
Local Impact
The recent job cuts from McKesson contribute to a growing trend in Rock Hill and the surrounding York County area. With 385 jobs impacted by layoff or closure notifications in 2024 alone, York County ranks high in job cuts, trailing only Charleston, Georgetown, and Lexington counties. The year has also seen York County receiving notifications for three permanent layoffs, a figure that echoes the struggles of the local workforce.
Only a handful of counties, including Greenville, have reported more permanent layoff notifications in the current year, highlighting a challenging economic landscape for many residents.
Looking Ahead
As McKesson prepares for the upcoming closure of its Rock Hill facility, the community remains concerned about the future job prospects for affected employees. With support services in place, the hope is that those impacted can successfully transition into new roles in the evolving workforce.
