SUPERVALU INC. EMBARKS UPON RESTRUCTURING

Supervalu Inc., the nation's largest wholesale food distributor, has embarked upon a massive reorganization and restructuring program, which could effect the local distribution center at Scott City.

Rita Simmer, of the public relations and communications department, said the plans were long-range in scope.

Supervalu, which operates throughout the country, started looking at changes about a year ago, Simmer said.

"The aim is to become an even stronger company," she said. Some changes will be in distribution logistics, pricing and methods of operation.

The plan isn't an immediate thing.

"We're looking at a year and half to two years to implement the program," she said. The program could result in some changes for employees.

Two years ago Supervalu, then the nation's No. 2 food wholesaler, purchased St. Louis-based Wetterau Inc., the country's fourth largest food distributor. The two companies, with little overlap in their markets, resulted in Supervalu becoming the largest food distributor in the nation.