Kraft Heinz to spend more than $400M to build Illinois distribution center, hire 150-plus workers

Kraft Heinz plans to spend more than $400 million to build one of the largest automated CPG distribution centers in North America, the food giant said in a statement. The facility is expected to bring more than 150 jobs to the region.

The 775,000-square-foot distribution facility in DeKalb, Illinois, will feature state-of-the-art automation technology and national railway access. The outlet includes a 24/7 automated storage and retrieval system that can handle twice the volume for Kraft Heinz customers. This will allow it to distribute more than 60% of the company’s food service business and approximately 30% of all dry goods.

In addition to increased efficiency, the company said the new center also will contribute to Kraft Heinz’s ability to achieve its broader environmental, social and governance goals. The food maker will reduce its environmental footprint through sustainable technology and solutions that curtail waste produced at the facility.

The company behind Heinz ketchup, Jell-O and Lunchables is the latest food and beverage giant to announce plans to build a new facility to increase efficiencies and reduce costs amid escalating demand for their offerings.

Food Dive