Just when we thought United Natural Foods, Inc.’s (UNFI) network couldn’t possibly get any stronger, here comes the distributor with news of a critical expansion. The operator is bringing a new 1.3-million-square-foot leased distribution center to Manchester, Pennsylvania, to strengthen its ability to serve its growing customer base in the region.
“Our York facility, located less than 15 minutes away, has felt the impact of both new and existing customer growth we’ve experienced in this region over the last 12–18 months,” said Erin Horvath, Chief Operating Officer. “Leasing this facility allows us to best utilize our capital and manage company resources all while delivering on our transformation program, to enhance our distribution network by enabling our multi-echelon re-distribution strategy to effectively support our customer growth. Similar to several other UNFI facilities, this new distribution center will implement technology and automation solutions designed to enable greater network capacity, scalability, and profitability.”
The temperature-controlled facility is currently under construction and expected to be finished over the next 15 months. Once complete, the facility will provide UNFI with increased network capacity and improved capability to more efficiently deliver its product and services offering, as well as support continued customer growth in the mid-Atlantic region.
The DC is also an important investment in UNFI associates, according to a press release, as it will offer an enhanced overall experience highlighted by a lifestyle center aimed at improving retention and overall employee engagement.
As the release noted, the Manchester facility is the latest in a series of transactions completed by Scout Cold Logistics, an affiliate of AEW Capital Management, all of which are focused on food distribution and production assets throughout the United States.
Where will UNFI’s next expansion take the ever-growing distributor next? Keep reading DMN to find out.