The timeline for a delayed consolidation of the U.S. Postal Services South Bend Processing and Distribution Center into the Fort Wayne facility has been announced. A spokeswoman with the USPS confirms the initial stages of the move will begin early next year.

It is slated to be complete by the middle of the year. Mary Dando says it is still unclear how many workers will be affected and if any positions will remain at the South Bend operation once the consolidation is wrapped up.

In 2012, the USPS announced it would be closing nine operations in Indiana as part of a larger effort designed to bridge the gap of mounting financial woes. It said the facilities would be in Gary, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Terre Haute and Columbus.

Dando says reassignments will be offered to affected employees.

Source: The U.S. Postal Services, Inside INdiana Business