Ben E. Keith Co., Oklahoma City, Okla., announced expansion plans to its Edmond, Okla., foodservice distribution division. 

Construction was slated to begin Feb. 1, and will add 134,000 square feet of storage space to the existing building and includes the installation of Dematic’s automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), which will provide the flexibility to fulfill orders and perform warehousing functions with maximum efficiency. The addition will add approximately 40% capacity to the existing 342,000 square feet and will also include an underground storm shelter.

“We are excited to begin this expansion project to support our growing customer base in Oklahoma, Kansas and Western Missouri. The additional space will support our strategy of providing premium choices for our customers, and allows us the space to improve efficiencies and food safety practices throughout the operation,” says Kirk Purnell, general manager for the Oklahoma division.