Golden State Foods (GSF) hosted a grand opening ceremony for its new 158,000-square-foot Chicago IL distribution center recently. The new building now serves more than 460 McDonald’s customers in the Chicago and northwestern Indiana market and will be the first center within GSF and the McDonald’s distribution community to be LEED Gold Certified.
The ISO 14001-certified DC has a robust set of standards that focuses on GSF’s environmental, sustainability, recycling, conservation, compliance, and waste diversion systems.
“We are so proud to unveil our latest distribution center in Chicago,” said Mark Wetterau, chief executive officer of GSF. “The new building is a milestone in our larger goals toward environmental sustainability and excellent customer service and will serve as a benchmark for future and existing facilities within the GSF distribution community.”
This state-of-the-art distribution center was designed to be 40% more energy-efficient than comparable buildings. It features technologies and designs such as hydrogen-powered fork trucks, clear panel windows, LED lighting, rainwater for irrigation purposes, and a highly efficient Cascade refrigeration system.
Another innovation chosen for the new facility is the SafeConnect electric standby connection system. SafeConnect’s “plug-in” system will allow GSF to safely and efficiently power its hybrid refrigerated transportation fleet while reducing both its carbon footprint and consumption of diesel fuel. But unlike earlier generations of e-standby systems, SafeConnect’s intelligent docking stations and smart plugs will protect GSF associates from accidental drive-offs and the hazards of coming in contact with high-voltage electricity.
In case of accidental drive-away, SafeConnect’s quick-release connection system and patented fail-safe safety circuit design will self-disconnect upon sensing tension and instantly cut off the power at the source control box, safeguarding both people and infrastructure. SafeConnect is compatible with both straight trucks and trailers and is available in dock and stanchion mount variants for any voltage/amperage need.
Established in 1947, GSF is one of the world’s largest diversified suppliers to the quick-service restaurant industry. With approximately 4,500 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 125,000 stores and 100 customers on five continents from its 45 facilities. Access www.goldenstatefoods.com for further details.
For more information about SafeConnect, call 844-R-U-SAFE-2 (844-787-2332) or go to www.safeconnectsystems.com.
