Golden State Foods (GSF), a worldwide distributor and food processor, has acquired a McDonald’s distribution center in Lebanon IL from Gateway Distribution Inc.
Located near St Louis MO, the Illinois facility services more than 350 McDonald’s restaurants in five states: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, and Kentucky. It employs about 160 workers, which increases GSF’s total employee count to nearly 4,500 worldwide. GSF seres more than 25,000 stores in 50 nations from its 38 locations on four continents. With this acquisition, GSF’s annual sales are nearly $6 billion.
“We are looking forward to combining the long-standing traditions established by Gateway with GSF and continuing our strong partnership with McDonald’s as we expand our company throughout the Midwest,” said Mark Wetterau, chairman and chief executive officer of Golden State Foods. “We value Bill Dowling, president and CEO of Gateway, and all the Gateway associates for their outstanding accomplishments and efforts over the years. We are excited to work with all of the associates, as well as the McDonald’s owner-operators and suppliers in the surrounding markets. We wish Bill continued success in his retirement.”
“I’m proud of the accomplishments of the entire Gateway Distribution Team,” said Dowling. “Gateway Distribution has been a leader in providing service to the McDonald’s system, and I fully expect this to continue as part of the outstanding Golden State Foods organization.”
The acquisition occurred to maximize efficiencies and strengthen the distribution network within the McDonald’s system.
Established in 1947, GSF has core businesses that include processing liquid products, meat, produce, bakery, dairy, and other services as well as full-line distribution to the quick-service restaurant industry. Visit www.goldenstatefoods.com for more details.
Gateway Distribution’s roots go back to 1959, when Prairie Farms began services to three McDonald’s restaurants in the St Louis metro area. In January 2009, Dowling founded Gateway Distribution and acquired PFD Supply of Lebanon. For more information, access www.gateway-distribution.com.
