Container shipping firm to close Lakewood site, cut 49 workers in Pierce County
Two new filings with the state of Washington involve local layoffs from a global container shipping firm with operations in Pierce County.
Representatives for Denmark-based Maersk filed two Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications May 1. The first involved the planned closure of its Lakewood facility, 7530 150th St. SW, as of June 30, affecting 44 workers at the warehouse.
According to the filing, “All affected employees have been notified of their separation dates and that their separation from employment will be permanent.”
The notice indicated some workers would be transferred to a Sumner site also operated by Maersk.
“The entire facility is expected to be permanently closed, and all employees at the facility will be impacted, though some will be offered transfers to our facility in Sumner,” the filing added.
A Maersk Sumner warehouse/distribution center, meanwhile, also was the focus of a separate WARN filing from the company to the state’s Department of Employment Security.
The Sumner WARN filing stated that five workers would be let go from that site, 2932 142nd Ave. E., as of June 30, including two in management.
The Lakewood site that’s set to close is one of three Maersk Lakewood facilities listed on its website, and it also lists three Sumner facilities operated by the company. It also has operations in Kent, Fife and Spokane.
In response to questions from The News Tribune, a Maersk communications representative sent an emailed statement, which cited “changing market conditions,” for the planned Lakewood contract logistics facility closure.
“We are committed to working closely with affected employees to provide information, transition support, and resources during this process,” the statement continued. “This includes offering most hourly associates positions at our contract logistics facility in Sumner. ... We will also continue to meet all regulatory requirements and engage transparently with relevant government agencies.”
Article has been updated with additional comment from Maersk representative.
This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 11:38 AM.
