PROVIDENCE, RI - A new asset has been added to United Natural Foods, Inc.’s (UNFI) distribution network this week. The foodservice operator has announced plans to open a new 1.3-million square-foot leased distribution center in Manchester, Pennsylvania. Poised to help the company serve its growing customer base in the region, the temperature-controlled facility is currently under construction and expected to be finished over the next 15 months.

“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.”

Once complete, the facility will provide UNFI with increased network capacity, improved capability to more efficiently deliver its product and services offering, and support continued customer growth in the mid-Atlantic region. According to a press release, the DC is also an important investment in UNFI associates, as it will offer an enhanced overall experience highlighted by a lifestyle center aimed at improving retention and overall employee engagement.

The Manchester facility represents 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, the release noted.

ANUK will stay hot on the trail of this industry giant, so stay tuned.

United Natural Foods, Inc.