Oklahoma State University - Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
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AWG breaks ground on new distribution center
STILLWATER, Okla. – Associated Wholesale Grocers is building a new, $50 million distribution center in Oklahoma City and held a groundbreaking in December 2005 to begin the construction of the new facility.
Steve Arnold, senior vice president and division manager for AWG in Oklahoma City, is excited about the new expansion.
“The new facility will provide us with the opportunity to continue the growth that we have experienced over the last few years,” Arnold said. “It will also solidify support for independent grocers in Oklahoma and surrounding states.”
This new 806,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in September 2007 and will add approximately 65 jobs to the company, which already employs approximately 435 people.
The building will include warehouse and distribution space and regional corporate offices for the Kansas City-based company. This new facility will increase the company’s warehouse space by about 30 percent and allow AWG to expand the variety of products it offers to its retailers.
When the construction is complete, AWG will move from its present six buildings at 390 NE 36 St. to 5500 S. Council Road.
Arnold said the main objective for building a bigger and better distribution center is so that AWG can increase its buying power and get its retailers the lowest possible price.
Jim Brooks, business planning and marketing specialist for the Food & Agricultural Products Center, has developed a professional relationship with Arnold and AWG.
“I think this is very exciting news for all the retailers in Oklahoma who are members of AWG,” Brooks said. “It is also significant that AWG corporate officers see the value of investing in our state for the future and the commitment they are making with the expansion of a new distribution center.”
Brooks also said the new expansion clearly demonstrates that AWG has the confidence in the growing economy and sees many opportunities for retailers to expand existing product lines for consumers.
Arnold said Brooks and the FAPC have become an informational resource for him and AWG.
“Jim has provided insight into Oklahoma food processors and retailers that we can partner with to sell their products,” Arnold said.
AWG was founded in 1924 and is the nation’s second largest retailer-owned grocery wholesaler in the United States serving more than 1,500 stores in a 21-state distribution area.
The current Oklahoma City distribution center supplies more than 200 independent retailers across a four-state area. The company supplies a variety of products, such as standard and specialty grocery items, health and beauty care, fresh produce, meat, bakery and deli items.
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CONTACT:
Jim Brooks
Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
148 FAPC
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6071
Fax: 405-744-6313
E-Mail: jim.brooks@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
