A custodial service provider is laying off 170 employees at Auburn University Friday.

“Sodexo has been a partner of Auburn University and unfortunately, they’ve decided to go in a different direction with their contracted services,” Sodexo’s public relations department told AL.com in a statement. “We wish the students and staff continued success and we certainly welcome the opportunity to serve them in the future. In most cases, employees are retained by the new service provider.”

Auburn told WSFA they’re contracting with ABM, a different facility management system, starting on Oct. 1.

An application process is underway, and once it is complete, interested applicants, including previous Sodexo employees, can apply for new positions.

According to WSFA, Auburn had a three-year contract with Sodexo starting February 2022. Sodexo provided custodial services at the main campus, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and auxiliary services.

The company put an alert of impending layoffs on the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification system on Aug. 21.