COLCHESTER, Conn. -- Colchester Chevrolet employees said they got a visit just before noon on Wednesday from GM executives who told them it would be the dealership's last day

Employees spent their afternoon packing up their personal belongings and saying goodbye to colleagues.

"We thought we received a letter that we were one of the key dealers and we were going to remain open," salesperson Francis Williams said.

General Motors executives refused to comment on the decision to close the dealership, but then general manager of the showroom was open about the closing.

"I have made arrangements for the majority of the employees of this facility to be transferred to our Ford of Colchester on Norwich Avenue, so they will have jobs tomorrow morning at 8:30," general manager Rob Howard said.

A locksmith was even on site Wednesday, changing the locks at the Route 85 car dealership as employees left.

Suppliers were also seen taking tires away.

Williams said the decision was a shock because things were going well at the dealership.

"My heart is in shock right now," Williams said. "I've been doing this 20 years. I've never been through this before."

Colchester First Selectman Linda Hodge learned about the closing when she received a call from Eyewitness News.

"It's an incredible loss for us, not only the business but employees, many who are local," she said. "It's a huge hit to the town."