Central Grocers to Expand Warehouse

Member-owned grocery cooperative Central Grocers plans to expand its warehouse in Joliet, Ill., to accommodate growth in its produce and meat departments.

The expansion will add about 15,000 square feet of receiving space and 30 new dock doors, for a total of 180. Combined produce and meat volume has grown from $100 million to over $250 million since Central moved to its Joliet facility in March 2009. The warehouse expansion will optimize pallet movement and capacity to support continued growth. The project is expected to be completed by year’s end.

Founded in 1917, Joliet, Ill.-based Central Grocers, also known as Centrella Foods, is one of the largest retailer-owned wholesalers in the nation, with some 225 members. Central services more than 400 retail stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.