NYC Milk Distributor Closes, 150 Jobs Lost

NEW YORK— One of New York City's largest dairy distributors has closed its doors after losing its main milk distribution contract.

Dallas-based Dean Foods Co. terminated the deal after attempts to resolve financial problems failed. A spokesman for Dean says Beyer owes the dairy producer several million dollars.

About 150 workers lost jobs, including 138 members of Teamsters Local 584. Most of them worked as delivery drivers. Union president Frank Wunderlich says the Dec. 11 shutdown was a surprise. Wunderlich said the union knew there were problems with money. But he said he never thought the problems would force the company to close its doors.

A Beyer Farms representative did not immediately return a message seeking comment. The Queens-based company was in business over 70 years.

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