GARDINER — After 57 years supplying groceries and other goods to independent retailers in the state, Associated Grocers of Maine Inc., is closing.

A judge on Tuesday appointed a receiver “to wind up the business,” which is $6 million in debt to Savings Bank of Maine.

The bank and Associated Grocers both supported the appointment of a receiver, according to documents lawsuit filed in Kennebec County Superior Court.

The Gardiner-based business employs more than 100 people, according to a Teamsters union representative. About 70 of the workers are Teamsters.

Deliveries continued Tuesday and workers are to meet Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center.

In the Kennebec Journal readership area, there are 50 small food retailers in the Associated Grocers of Maine network potentially affected by the action.

The company had supplied goods to more than 300 stores throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

 


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