Specialty food distributor expected to create 200 jobs in Stockton

By Roger Phillips

Record Staff Writer

Posted Jan. 24, 2015 @ 12:01 am

STOCKTON — A major distributor of specialty food products has selected Stockton for its newest facility, a move expected to create 200 new jobs, the city announced this week.

Illinois-based KeHE Distributors has begun recruiting for managers, supervisors, delivery drivers and order selectors, with build-out of its project expected in March, according to the city.

KeHE will occupy 450,000 square feet in an existing building at the NorCal Logistics Center, a warehouse and light industrial development that is east of Highway 99 between Arch and Mariposa roads.

“Stockton’s strength in transportation and logistics paired with its ideal central location and available workforce made it a perfect choice for KeHE’s latest operation, and we couldn’t be happier with their decision,” said Micah Runner, the city’s director of economic development.

“They are a great employer and will bring a much-needed boost to our local economy.”

KeHE is one of the largest natural food product distributors on the continent. It has distribution centers from coast to coast in Canada and the United States, including one in Los Angeles.

The company plans to distribute frozen and fresh grocery products from the Stockton facility. The building it will occupy has been vacant since it was constructed in 2009 by another firm that went bankrupt before ever occupying the facility.

Gene Carter, KeHE’s chief operating officer, said the Stockton facility “will expand our product assortment offerings and reach in Northern California. In addition, we are looking forward to growing the KeHE employee base on the West Coast.”

For information on Stockton jobs with KeHe, visit kehe.com/People/Jobs.aspx.