The New Hampshire-based grocery supplier opened its Brattleboro warehouse in 1981.

The Vermont Department of Labor has received notice that C&S Wholesale Grocers is planning layoffs in Brattleboro starting in March.

Labor Commissioner Mike Harrington said Friday that the planned layoffs will involve fewer than 50 employees and will not take place for at least 45 days. The company's decision was first reported by the Brattleboro Reformer.

The federal WARN Act requires companies with 100 or more employees to provide at least 60 days advance notice before a layoff of 50 or more employees at a single site. Harrington, in a text message, said C&S filed a notice but labor department lawyers were reviewing it to see if it was required.

Founded in 1918, C&S is a wholesale grocery supplier to over 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores and institutions in the U.S., according to its website. In 1981, the Keene, NH-based company built a 300,000-square foot warehouse in Brattleboro, which is its only location in Vermont.

Rachel Dumeny, a spokesperson for the labor department, said workers who are laid off will be eligible for state assistance.

"We strongly encourage any affected individuals to apply for unemployment insurance benefits and connect with our job center specialists," said Dumeny.

C&S Wholesale Grocers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.