Ben E. Keith Foods, a distributor of fine foods and beverages, has broken ground on a 707,000-sq-ft distribution center in Alachua, Florida, the company announced.
The new state-of-the-art facility will span 148 acres and plans to house of one of the largest and technologically advanced distribution centers in Florida. The center’s construction begins in early 2025 and plans to be complete by the Fall of 2026, the company says.
Ben E. Keith Foods states the new distribution center will ensure the company meets increasing demand while upholding its reputation for quality and reliability. The Alachua facility will contain technology designed for efficiency and sustainability. It plans to feature 120 tractor-trailers and 105 dock doors for 24/7 intake and outtake operations to offer enhanced capacity to serve existing and new customers. In addition, the center will use advanced logistics systems to enhance speed and accuracy, the company says.
Ben E. Keith Foods acquired Florida Food Service in 2022, and the food and beverage distributor says its distribution center project is representative of its growth and commitment to serve customers across the Southeast region of the U.S.
The company’s announcement comes during a seeming period of facility growth in the food distribution and processing industry. Nestlé unveiled a 630,000-sq-ft beverage factory and distribution center in late January.
