Golden State Foods, one of the largest diversified food processors and distributors in the U.S., broke ground Aug. 29 on a 45,810 square-foot expansion of its Whitewater distribution center.
When completed in June 2013, the Whitewater distribution center will be more than 92,610 square feet and will serve more than 385 McDonald’s restaurants in four states throughout the Midwest.
In addition to increased square footage, company officials said the expansion will facilitate green and sustainable initiatives and will employ state-of-the-art technology. The facility will also allow for contingency and long-term capacity.
“It is with great pride that we start the expansion process our Whitewater distribution center today to ensure our sole customer, McDonald’s, continues to receive the highest quality service presently and into the future,” said Wayne Luter, general manager of GSF’s Whitewater Distribution Center. “Golden State Foods’ ability to continue to offer superior quality and innovation is among our highest priorities, as evidenced by our commitment to expand our facility and create long-term capacity.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Mark Wetterau, GSF chairman and CEO; Neil Cracknell, GSF executive vice president and chief operating officer; Terry Wilson, GSF vice president, McDonald’s distribution; Jeff Steiner, GSF group vice president, distribution – East; Luter; Tom Covelli, McDonald’s senior director of distribution and logistics; Jeff Steren, McDonald’s owner/operator, and Cameron Clapper, interim Whitewater city manager.
Golden State Foods acquired distribution centers in Whitewater and Lemont, Ill., in 2006 from Perlman-Rocque, formerly a McDonald’s distribution supplier. Today, GSF Whitewater, located in the Whitewater Business Park, employs 132 associates, with more than 50 percent living in the Whitewater and Fort Atkinson area. The company also enjoys a successful relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, with 16 university students currently employed at Golden State Foods.
About Golden State Foods
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Golden State Foods is one of the world’s largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant industry. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, its core businesses include processing of liquid products, meat, produce, bakery and other services, as well as full-line distribution to the quick service restaurant industry. The company also runs a national non-profit organization, the GSF Foundation for kids.
