Heatcraft holds grand opening for new shipping facility
Published 10:00 am Wednesday, December 19, 2018
- The Tifton Regional Distribution Center is the primary warehouse and distribution center for finished goods for Heatcraft North America.
TIFTON — Heatcraft held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at their new regional distribution center, located at 7814 Magnolia Industrial Blvd. on Dec. 13.
The Tifton Regional Distribution Center is the primary warehouse and distribution center for finished goods for Heatcraft North America, according to Director of Commercial Operations Brian Tabor.
“Consolidating our warehousing and distribution operations into this facility, which is 216,000 square feet of conditioned space that is also secure, allows our team to warehouse, to pick, to brand and to ship our product nationwide to our other distribution centers and directly out to our customers,” Tabor said. “It’s the accomplishment of over a year-long effort.”
He said that this new facility will allow the company to increase efficiency, ensure employee safety, high product quality and on-time shipment and delivery.
Gary Bedard, President and COO of Refrigeration for Lenox, International, was enthusiastic about the new facility.
“It looks beautiful, doesn’t it?” he said, gesturing to the neat rows of product, most of which were stacked to the ceiling. “This is as good looking as any distribution center I’ve put in.”
Bedard thanked the City of Tifton for their support.
“When we were looking for a distribution center, ideally you want it very close to your factory, but you don’t want it in your factory,” Bedard said. “You guys were great in terms of working with us with the kinds of operational improvements we needed to do.”
Tifton Mayor Julie Smith spoke at the ceremony as well.
“It’s always a good day in the City of Tifton to celebrate the success of a local business,” she said. “You are outstanding community partners and we appreciate that. You provide excellent jobs for citizens of our community. As corporate partners, you are there from Relay for Life to the Tift County College and Career Academy and everywhere in between, so we appreciate and thank you for that.”
Bedard also addressed the employees of the facility, telling them that they needed a facility like this to do their job properly.
Vice President of Heatcraft North America Sergio Castillejos said that the new facility showcased the company’s “commitment to excellence.”
He said that the new facility demonstrates commitment to their customers, their employees and the community.
The event was also a time for employee recognition. Awards were handed out by Tabor, Bedard and Castillejos.