O'Reilly Automotive conducts layoffs

Springfield-based auto parts retailer O'Reilly Automotive Inc. (Nasdaq: ORLY) has conducted layoffs that impact its information technology workforce.

A statement issued to Springfield Business Journal by O'Reilly Automotive Public Relations Director Sonya Kullmann Cox indicates the company's IT workforce has been reduced by "less than 11%."

"O’Reilly Auto Parts is further modernizing its information technology solutions and structure, and is aligning the skills of our team members to the work ahead," the statement reads. "To that end, we separated employment with some members of our IT team. We recognize that the impact to the individuals affected and their families is significant, and we appreciate their past service to the company."

Impacted employees are receiving severance and extended health care coverage, and they'll be considered for other positions in the company or offered outplacement services.

"This was not an effort to cut the size of our team or reduce expenses," the statement notes. "O’Reilly will be recruiting individuals who have specific IT skills and experience needed for the work ahead."

Cox said the majority of the impacted workers are located outside of the Springfield metro area.

O'Reilly Automotive ranked No. 7 in Springfield Business Journal's 2024 list of the area's largest employers, with 2,418 local employees as of July 22, 2024, up from 2,363 a year earlier. Systemwide, the company had 93,419 employees as of March 31, according to its latest quarterly financial report.