PROVIDENCE, RI - With sandy beaches and rich soils in sight, the United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) organization is heading to Florida. UNFI recently broke ground on a new state-of-the-art distribution center (DC) just north of Sarasota, replacing an aging facility and incorporating the latest in leading warehouse technology.

“Distribution is our core business, so when we build a new distribution center, we want to incorporate as much automation and technology as possible to improve our ability to service our customers while simultaneously lowering our costs to do so,” said Erin Horvath, Chief Operating Officer. “We are also very excited about providing a working environment designed around the needs of both our customers and our associates.”

UNFI partnered with JLL, Broadstone Net Lease, Sansone Group, and ARCO Design/Build for the building of the DC. According to a press release, the new warehouse will be more than 1 million square feet of capacity and incorporate some of the latest technology and automation. This includes KNAPP re-pack automation, which is expected to improve service levels to customers while simultaneously reducing the cost to fill orders.

Additionally, the DC will be a fully air-conditioned warehouse and will feature natural daylighting concepts and dimmable lighting, as well as a full-building water filtration system. The new facility is expected to include workforce-friendly amenities designed to support a best-in-class working experience for UNFI’s associates.

The DC is located within the SRQ Logistics Center, a 300-acre master-planned business park, which is adjacent to Sarasota’s International Airport and located strategically near both Interstate 75 and US-301.

Stay tuned as we continue to report on UNFI’s expansion efforts.

United Natural Foods, Inc.