Dec 12, 2005 9:15 AM, from staff and wire reports

US Foodservice plans to close its Freedom PA distribution center in March 2006, which will terminate 131 jobs.

A unit of Netherlands-based Royal Ahold, US Foodservice said “normal operations” at the western Pennsylvania facility will cease by March 31. US Foodservice delivers food to clients including restaurants, caterers, and military bases.

US Foodservice said a “small number of non-union employees” will remain employed until September 2006 “to wind down operations.”

The Maryland-based firm, which purchased the plant in 2001, also has distribution operations in Altoona and Greensburg PA.

In November, Royal Ahold, which also owns the supermarket franchises Giant Food and Stop & Shop, said it will divide US Foodservice in two to restore profitability. One unit will distribute food to hospitals and schools; the other will concentrate on fast-food restaurants.