GALLMAN (AP) — An auto parts retailer will close a Mississippi distribution center in December, cutting 284 employees.

Advance Auto Parts says in a notice to state officials that it will begin layoffs in June at the warehouse in Gallman.

The Roanoke, Virginia, company says four more phases of layoffs are planned through year’s end.

Advance spokesman Kevin Nash says the move is a “difficult decision” and does not indicate poor employee performance. Nash says some employees could be transferred to stores or other warehouses, and says others at the nonunionized facility will be paid severance.

The company is overhauling operations to improve profits and says it’s “optimizing” its 54 distribution centers. Nash says this is the only closure announced.

Nash says Advance will likely seek to sell the warehouse near Interstate 55.