SANFORD – New England Mailing Systems notified its workers this week to begin looking for new jobs.

Owner Robert Pride said he is still evaluating the company’s future, but he is pessimistic about its prospects. More than 36 people work for the company, and they will receive their final paychecks either Thursday or Friday.

The announcement was a surprise to many workers, including General Manager Peter Dupont, who worked there for 15 years. “I’ve been through three owners,” he said. “It’s a total shock for everyone.”

Pride said that while business had improved in the first quarter of this year, his decision to lay off the work force that collates and mails fliers came as a result of financial losses in previous years.