Weis begins cold warehouse expansion

Weis Markets on Monday broke ground on the expansion of its 1.1-million-square-foot distribution center in Milton, Pa.

The project will expand the facility’s cold storage capacity. The 100,000-square-foot addition will be used to store and distribute fresh meat, deli and dairy products. The company expects to complete construction in February 2016.

“Our expansion will enhance our distribution center’s long-term productivity and viability. It will also improve our overall competitiveness and help ensure the economic prospects of a facility employing 750 Weis associates — our company’s single largest location,” Weis Markets chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis said. “In the years ahead, as we expand our distribution center, we expect to hire additional associates and create new opportunities at our facility.”

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As reported previously in SN, the Sunbury, Pa.-based chain secured a $1 million state economic growth initiative grant for the project. The company said the expanded facility will have the latest in energy efficient equipment and lighting and will use significantly less refrigerant.

“The addition will allow us to consolidate our delivery schedule,” Weis added. “Consequently, we will use 23,000 fewer gallons of diesel fuel in a year’s time and our trucks will travel 144,000 fewer miles.”