Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (GMCR), Waterbury, Vt., will change its wholesale distribution model in the northeast United States from a direct-store model to a distributor-based model, the company said.

The specialty coffee business unit of GMCR will transition direct customer support in the northeast United States to Pine State Trading Co., Augusta, Maine. The transaction, which is expected to close Sept. 13, 2010, will include responsibility for sales representation, order management, delivery and equipment service.  

“With its strong reputation for customer service in the region, Pine State Trading is an ideal partner for us, our customers, and our employees as we make this change,” said Scott McCreary, president of GMCR’s specialty coffee business unit, in a statement. “Together, we’ll work to ensure a seamless transition for customers.”  

Pine State Trading also will assume operations of GMCR regional operations centers in Southington, Conn.; Biddeford, Maine; Wilmington, Mass.; and Latham, N.Y. GMCR expects 121 employees to be affected by the transition, with most of those either continuing employment with the company or being offered jobs with Pine State Trading.