GSF Expands Distribution Facility in Phoenix, Arizona

Irvine, Calif. (October 17, 2013) – Golden State Foods, a worldwide distributor and food processor, officially opened its doors today for its new, expanded distribution facility in Phoenix, Ariz. The facility, located at 5516 West Buchanan, broke ground on a 37,500 square-foot facility expansion in April 2012, and now totals more than 83,000 square feet. The facility serves 375 restaurants, including McDonald’s and Chipotle, throughout the Southwest in Arizona, Utah, California, New Mexico and Nevada. The Phoenix facility marks the third expansion this year, with a McCook, Ill., distribution facility breaking ground in June, and a grand opening for the company’s Whitewater, Wis., distribution facility in August. “Our newly-expanded facility will create the necessary infrastructure to ensure Golden State Foods is able to provide McDonald’s and Chipotle with the quality of service they require today and into the future,” said John Marin, general manager of the GSF Phoenix distribution center. “We are committed to continue to offer the superior quality our customers know us for, and are grateful for all of those who were involved in the planning and building process for the new facility.” In addition to increased square footage, the expansion will bring the installation of several eco-friendly features including translucent insolated panels that provide natural lighting in the cool dock area, Xeriscape (low-water usage) landscaping and a cascade refrigeration system that reduces ozone-depleting refrigerants. Golden State Foods opened its Phoenix distribution center in 1978 as a satellite center to meet the demands for one of its customers – McDonald’s, which was experiencing a strong growth period, particularly in the Southwest. At that time, the distribution center employed 30 people and serviced 93 McDonald’s restaurants. Today, the Phoenix facility employs 135 people and services 300 McDonald’s restaurants and 75 Chipotle restaurants. This expansion provides potential for growth and possible job opportunities, based on customer growth. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Mark Wetterau, GSF chairman and CEO; Neil Cracknell, GSF executive vice president and COO; John Marin, general manager of GSF Phoenix Distribution Center; Ken Clement, McDonald’s Owner/Operator and Purchasing Committee Chairman; and Leonard Johnson, McDonald’s Field Supply Chain Manager – Rocky Mountain Region