Gourmet Foods International (GFI), an Atlanta-based cheese distributor, has purchased a building in the Business Park of Kenosha after searching the greater Chicagoland Area for a site for its new food distribution facility.
“We are very excited to finally have a warehouse in Wisconsin and Kenosha is the best spot in the state for our future plans,” said Doug Jay, President of Gourmet Foods International.
“Kenosha County is thrilled to welcome Gourmet Foods,” said Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser. “Southeast Wisconsin is one of the best locations in the nation for advanced food processers. Gourmet Foods is in good company and we look forward to helping them thrive here.”
The 35,200-square-foot building will be GFI’s first Midwest location and will allow the company to service the Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis markets as well as all points in between. The company plans to have up to 50 employees at the location, previously occupied by Process Retail Group, within the next two years.
“We’re delighted that Gourmet Foods has selected southeastern Wisconsin as its Midwest distribution hub,” remarked Jim Paetsch, Vice President of the Milwaukee 7 regional economic development group. “It’s another affirmation of our ability to successfully compete for corporate investment, especially in the food space. Companies like GFI have many location options. We are excited that the company’s leadership has chosen to put down roots in our region.”
Gourmet Foods International is a specialty food and gourmet cheese supplier with distribution centers across the United States. The new site in Kenosha, Gourmet Foods International Midwest, LLC, will be its seventh location nation-wide.
Shelley Jurewicz, Executive Director of FaB (Food and Beverage) Wisconsin said that many of Southeast Wisconsin’s cheese and sausage makers know GFI well as a superior specialty food distributor for their quality products. She said, “We are thrilled to officially welcome GFI to Wisconsin’s food and beverage scene. For GFI to select a location in Kenosha for their new distribution center reflects Wisconsin’s strength in specialty food production and our ecosystem to support and help grow strong food companies.”
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) awarded GFI $200,000 in Economic Development Tax Credits to support Gourmet Foods’ investment. The Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), provided $1.1 million financing. This includes a $1 million low-interest loan and a $100,000 forgivable loan from the Kenosha County High Impact Fund, which was created and funded by Kenosha County to support high quality economic development projects.
”Adding a Kenosha distribution facility to its national network, Gourmet Foods leverages Wisconsin’s strong food production history, ongoing industry innovation and unmatched workforce,” said Mark Hogan, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
GFI purchased the building at 9629 59th Place in August 2015 and has been remodeling it to fit its specific needs. GFI plans to be operational by March. The site has an additional 3.3 acres for future expansion.