Bayer announced Tuesday that it is closing its customer logistics center in Mishawaka

The company says 194 employees will be affected by the closing.

Bayer has operated the center at Edison Lakes since 1978. It will close the center over the next 18 months. Bayer says that will give time for employees and operations to transition.

"I will tell you that we have such a great, dedicated workforce here in Mishawaka. Obviously, this is something that is difficult to announce to any of our employees, but especially such a talented workforce, like you have in Mishawaka," said Chris Loder, a Bayer spokesman.

The company says it will keep its commitments to local businesses, nonprofits and charities at the same level throughout 2019 and 2020.

Bayer is in the process of determining how to shift the roles from the Mishawaka location to other parts of the company.

The full announcement from Bayer has been reproduced below: