Butler County residents who have loans with Northwest Consumer Discount Co. were mailed letters Monday regarding the transition of their loans to Northwest Bank.

“As you know, Northwest CDC will permanently close on July 15, 2017, and your loan account will transfer to Northwest Bank,” the letter reads. “Although your account number will change, your terms and conditions will stay the same.”

By July 14, Northwest Bancshares plans to close all 44 of its Northwest Consumer Discount Co. locations throughout Pennsylvania, including four in Butler County.

Before Northwest Consumer Discount Co., the business was Butler Consumer Discount Co., which was established by a Butler man, Charles “Mickey” Deahl Sr., who became its founding president in 1969. The company merged with Northwest in 1986.

The announcement of the closure was included in the company's press release for first quarter earnings and quarterly dividends in which the parent company acknowledged a $238,000 decrease in net income this quarter. The release stated that closing the company is meant to improve efficiency.

The letter also explains that customers may continue to make payments to all locations until end-of-day July 14. On July 15 and beyond, customers will be dealing with Northwest Bank by mail, phone or in person. The letter also said that customers will be able to pay through Northwest Online and Mobile Banking or their personal bank's online bill pay system.

According to Melanie C. Clabaugh, communications manager for Northwest's corporate office, some employees from the closing centers will be transferred to work at the local Northwest Banks while others will be let go.

“Those who are not retained will be offered severance packages for their years of dedicated service,” Clabaugh said.