United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) a leading domestic distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods, plans to lease a new distribution center in Lancaster, Texas. The new facility is expected to provide UNFI with an ideal location to support retailers throughout the Southwest including Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana.

The newly constructed distribution center is owned by ProLogis (PLD), a leading global provider of distribution facilities.

Operations at the new facility of 590,000 square feet (SF) are expected to begin by the fall of 2010 and within the first year itself, the company expects to employ about 130 new associates there. Furthermore, on a strategic basis the Lancaster facility helps UNFI focus on lowering operating costs in its distribution network, thereby enhancing efficiencies and improving productivity through “best in class” warehousing and inventory control systems, and through reduced “greenhouse gas” emissions.

The company has almost completed the design and plan for the new facility. The design primarily includes a dry grocery as its main program space. In addition, the design also includes 54,000 SF of refrigeration and freezer space, an expanded cold dock and approximately 20,000 SF for employee offices and workspace.

The company has also ensured that the Lancaster facility is environmentally sound. It will focus on resource and energy conservation, will use sustainable and recycled-content building materials, and exceptional indoor air quality for the building occupants.
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