Kehe to open its largest distribution center in Texas

Kehe Distributors, a leading wholesaler in natural and organic foods, next Wednesday will open its largest distribution center in Dallas, Texas, the Naperville, Illinois-based wholesaler said Wednesday. Bringing 500 new jobs to the area, the new location will occupy one million square feet, Kehe said in a statement.

“Kehe is ecstatic to continue serving its partners and helping the communities in which we do business,” said Era Vaughn, VP of operations at Kehe. “Dallas is the perfect location for this facility due to its prime location that will allow us to expand upon existing as well as new clients. Additionally, the size and technology improvement in this distribution center will allow us to provide an expanded assortment of items and improved level of service that our retailers expect and deserve.”

The new distribution center has enhanced technology to improve service levels to its partners, Kehe said. “Advancements include a 210,000-square-foot freezer with a climate-controlled ice cream room, robotics and automation to improve accuracy when selecting, and improved batch pick to reduce emissions and energy demand,” Kehe said.

Local officials welcomed the distribution center as an opportunity to bring economic growth in the area.

“I am pleased to welcome Kehe to Dallas and District 8,” said Dallas City Council District 8 Councilmember Tennell Akins, in a statement. “This project creates over 500 new good-paying jobs for our community, and we look forward to partnering with Kehe as they grow their business in Dallas.”

The distribution center will host a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 5, that will include Kehe officials, a ribbon cutting ceremony and other planned events, Kehe said.

A Certified B Corporation, Kehe, with over 6,800 employee-owners, calls itself the largest, pure-play distributor of natural/organic, specialty and fresh products to more than 30,000 natural food stores, chain and independent grocery stores, e-commerce retailers, and other specialty products retailers throughout North America.