Batory Foods to Open Facility in Illinois, VP Says Its a Game Changer

21 Mar 2016 --- This May, Batory Foods are to open a 678,000-square-foot facility in Wilmington, IL. There, Batory will launch a new line of business, providing third party logistics services to key suppliers, beginning November 2016.

Fonterra chose Batory as its new third-party logistics provider in Illinois and will be serviced out of this new location. As Fonterra’s largest U.S. distributor, Batory is uniquely positioned to provide a superior third-party logistics service experience.

Outfitted in state-of-the-art technology, the facility will stay ahead of the regulatory curve, including increased regulation from the Food Safety Modernization Act and regulating bodies involved in both Quality and Employee Safety.

Vice President of Operations at Batory, Fred Dingraudo told FoodIngredientsFirst: "The design of this facility is a game changer for our business. We will gain unprecedented efficiencies in all services we provide. We have focused on building a foundation around food safety and related controls."

“Not only does the technology give us an edge from a business perspective,” says Jessica Stoja, Operations Project Manager, Batory. “It allows us to meet and exceed world-class standards in food safety, security and employee safety.”

Some technology upgrades will include custom-built food grade dock packages, which bolster environmental controls and provide increased food safety. These allow trailer seals to be both sealed and unsealed inside the facility. Yard managements and an automatic gate system will decrease carrier cycle time on-site and increase throughput, providing up-to-the-minute accuracy in inventory availability. The distribution center will be C-TPAT Certified.

"We are excited about extending our new operations into Wilmington and capitalizing on the infrastructure and proximity to multiple interstates," says Dingraudo.

The site will also include features to support wellness among the company’s most valuable resources: its people. An employee walking track and outdoor employee amenities space will enhance the Employee Wellness program and overall employee engagement.

Batory Foods offers the industry's largest portfolio of food, nutraceutical and fine ingredients for U.S. food and beverage manufacturers. Batory’s experienced sales representatives work with an abiding commitment to excellence in customer service. Batory’s network of distribution facilities serves thousands of customers and spans the full food industry spectrum.

by Elizabeth Kenward