KeHE Distributors opens distribution facility in Portland, Ore.

KeHE Distributors, Naperville, Ill., said it opened a LEED-certified distribution facility in Portland, Ore. The state-of-the-art distribution center is an important addition to the company's expansion strategy and key to its growth plan in the Northwest Region. With more than 100,000 square feet of refrigerated space and 57,000 square feet of freezer space, the Portland facility has the capacity to serve KeHE's customers that are increasingly demanding product assortments in all three temperature zones.

"Sustainability is a top priority of ours as we build, stock and operate our facilities," said Gene Carter, chief operating officer, KeHE. "We are designing our new facilities from the ground up, which allows us to focus on the environment and our people as well."

The Portland distribution center will be highly efficient, KeHE said. The company estimates that it will recycle 100 tons of cardboard annually and save more than 30 tons of petroleum by recycling plastic. In addition, the entire facility will use motion-operated LED lighting.