Gordon Food Service, a privately held and family-managed foodservice distribution company with operations in the U.S. and Canada, today hosted a groundbreaking event for a new distribution centre in the Town of Ajax, Ontario.
The event took place at the construction site located at 200 Salem Road North. It was attended by local officials, representatives of the construction and architectural firms working on the project, Gordon Food Service employees and local media.
“We were honoured to be joined by Ajax Mayor Steve Parish and Durham Region Chair Gerri Lynn O’Connor during the event,” said Lisa MacNeil, President of Gordon Food Service’s Ontario division. “Gordon Food Service feels very welcomed by the community and we look forward to establishing our business in an area that has tremendous potential for economic growth.”
The lineup of speakers included MacNeil, with opening remarks, followed by Dean Noble, President, Gordon Food Service Canada. Noble spoke to the history of Gordon Food Service in Canada.
“We’re very excited about growing in the greater Toronto area and our overall business in Ontario,” said Dean Noble. “We began doing business in this area in the early 1990’s, and while our business has now expanded coast-to-coast in Canada, Ontario will always be a big part of our company history. We also know there are very talented people here, who we hope will join us in our efforts when the new distribution centre opens next year!”
Noble then introduced Gerri Lynn O’Connor, Chair and CEO of the Durham Region, for remarks. She concluded the event by presenting a congratulatory certificate to Lisa MacNeil.
“Durham Region is the right choice for a bright future. Our smart, resilient, and inclusive community is humming with innovation and fresh perspectives,” said Durham Regional Chair Gerri Lynn O’Connor. “With strong local talent, a competitive business climate, interconnected infrastructure, and an unmatched quality of life, Durham is an outstanding home for businesses and families. We are pleased that Gordon Food Service has chosen our community as the site of their new distribution centre.”
Following Ms. O’Connor, the group heard from Harold Reinders, President and CEO of construction company Maple Reinders, who spoke about the features of the building, its significant automation, and the significance of the partnership with Gordon Food Service. Harold then introduced Ajax’s Mayor, Steve Parish.
“On behalf of Ajax Council, I would like to welcome Gordon Food Services to the Carruthers Creek Business Park,” said Mayor Parish. “This new facility will join our growing logistics and warehousing services sector in Ajax. We are committed to the creation of local jobs and are proud to support our local businesses and their contributions to the economic sustainability of our community.”
The new 330,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art warehouse will support the distribution of foodservice products across Ontario. It will contain numerous automated features, including product selection, sorting and truck-loading. Gordon Food Service anticipates the facility being operational late fall 2019.
Site preparations are well underway and foundation excavation activities are expected to commence soon with the grading of the ground.
“This new distribution centre is a symbol of something bigger for us,” says MacNeil. “It’s a critical support to our business, which is about providing timely and accurate product delivery service to customers in the food service industry. While it is exciting to build a new facility, our long-term vision is centered on people, and we look forward to building enduring relationships with the community of Ajax and the surrounding areas.”
About Gordon Food Service
Since 1897, we have delivered uncompromising quality and heartfelt service for our customers. We began as a simple butter-and-egg delivery service, and have grown to become the largest privately-held foodservice distributor in North America by upholding the same approach for 120 years—remaining passionately committed to the people we serve. Today, we serve foodservice operators in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions of the United States and coast-to-coast in Canada. By partnering with organizations from across industries—healthcare to education, independent and chain restaurants, and event planners—we help our customers create food experiences that people choose, enjoy, and remember.
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