FKI Logistex Wins Multimillion Dollar Contract with Gordon Food Service
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Automated material handling system for new multi-temperature distribution center in Kenosha, WI marks second installation in ongoing partnership
(ST. LOUIS: January 29, 2009) FKI Logistex® (www.fkilogistex.com), a leader in integrated material handling solutions, announces that it has won a multimillion dollar contract, in excess of $10M, with broadline foodservice distributor Gordon Food Service (GFS). FKI Logistex will provide an automated material handling system for the new GFS regional multi-temperature distribution center (DC) in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This is the second FKI Logistex system installation for GFS since completion of the Shepherdsville, Kentucky distribution center in 2003.
The new Kenosha DC was designed to provide enhanced service to regional customers while cutting transportation distance and costs. The new 480,000-square-foot DC is the largest GFS facility in the region and will include five pick modules, multiple slapper lines, a turnkey conveyor system and a UniSort® XV sliding shoe sorter. The system, which boasts over 30,000 feet of conveyor, relies heavily on FKI Logistex software and controls to maximize throughput while maintaining segregation of temperature zones and a strict order stop sequence for loading shipments.
"We chose to work with FKI Logistex based on our existing partnership and the success of the system installed in our Shepherdsville, Kentucky distribution center," said Kirk Mortenson for GFS. "For this new installation, FKI Logistex is working closely with us to design a system that successfully meets our unique business needs."
GFS is North America's largest family-owned distributor and specializes in direct-to-customer deliveries, which include a combination of smaller orders and larger multiple mixed pallets loads. This unique business model called for a customized DC, which was developed in partnership with the FKI Logistex Solutions Development Group. FKI Logistex solutions development advisors worked closely with GFS on planning, design and simulation to create a personalized system to handle the company's freezer, grocery and warehousing needs.
"The food service industry faces its own set of challenges, where accuracy and temperature control are vital to a successful operation," said Steve Ackerman, president, FKI Logistex North America. "Our material handling experts are working with the Gordon Food Service team through every step of the process, from design to system engineering to installation."
Construction on the new DC began in June 2008 and FKI Logistex will begin the system installation in spring 2009. The Kenosha DC is scheduled to open in early 2010.
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For sales and marketing information, please contact Emily Smith, marketing supervisor, FKI Logistex North America, by phone at +1 513 881 5239 or by e-mail at emily.smith@fkilogistex.com.
For media information, please contact Samantha Devine, public relations, Koroberi, Inc. (www.koroberi.com), by phone at +1 919 945 0566 or by e-mail at samantha@koroberi.com.
About FKI Logistex
FKI Logistex® (www.fkilogistex.com) is a leading provider of automated material handling solutions, supplying its customers with an integrated set of leading-edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, palletizing, paperless pick products, AS/RS, controls, order fulfillment systems, RFID implementation, EDS integration, baggage handling systems, warehouse control systems, and total material handling automation.
FKI Logistex provides material handling solutions for airports, postal facilities, parcel distribution, manufacturing operations, library automation, and for warehouse and distribution facilities. With projects that include many of the largest and most advanced material handling operations, FKI Logistex has the resources and the experience to solve the most demanding material handling challenges. For more information on FKI Logistex, click here to visit the FKI Logistex media center. For general sales information, contact FKI Logistex by phone at +1.877.935.4564 or by e-mail at info@fkilogistex.com.
About Gordon Food Service
Gordon Food Service, founded in 1897, is North America's largest family-owned and managed broadline foodservice distributor. Gordon Food Service is an international corporation offering more than 16,000 GFS® and nationally branded products to over 45,000 customers in 15 states within the United States and throughout Canada. The company also operates 127 GFS Marketplace® retail stores. For more information, visit the company's website at www.gfs.com.
