Updated: Alcohol wholesaler’s layoff notice signals SC operations sale
A major alcohol distributor is selling its only South Carolina location. It could mean hundreds of jobs lost in the Midlands, but the company says it’s not set in stone.
Republic National Distributing Company, which operates at 410 Foster Brothers Drive in West Columbia within the Lexington County Industrial Park, is one of the nation’s leading wholesale beverage alcohol distributors and specializes in wine and spirits, according to the company’s website. In March, it announced it would be selling its operations in several states, including South Carolina, to Reyes Beverage Group.
The sale is “continuing to progress,” according to a company spokesperson. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal is on track to close as early as the end of May.
In the meantime, the Republic National Distributing Company issued a recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification to “certain associates.”
“This is a step intended to provide advance notice and to comply with any potential legal requirements and does not represent final employment decisions,” according to a company statement. “Many RNDC associates may have the opportunity to continue their employment with Reyes, and there are no immediate changes to current roles or operations.”
Under federal law, employers with more than 100 employees are required to provide 60 days’ advance written notice of plant closings or mass layoffs.
The deal with Reyes Beverage Group has not been finalized. Closure could occur between June and July of this year, according to the WARN notice sent to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce on Thursday, and 451 people could be laid off from their jobs.
Republic National Distributing Company has been in the community for nearly two decades, and invested more than $10 million in a major expansion in 2015, when it nearly doubled the size of its facility. Lexington County and state officials at the time applauded the investment, and former Gov. Nikki Haley called in a “big win.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information from the company.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:52 AM.
