World's Largest Food Service Equipment Supply Comes to Woodridge

Editor's note: The following is a news release from Edward Don & Company:

Edward Don & Company, the world’s leading distributor of foodservice equipment and supplies, has moved its national headquarters and Illinois distribution center to a new 362,500-square-foot facility in Woodridge.

The move from the former location in North Riverside was completed in November 2012.

"The move represents another big step in DON’s continuing efforts to modernize their facilities throughout their national network," according to a news release.

Since 2003, the company has upgraded all six of its distribution centers, located in Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and Chicago. The new Woodridge facility brings the total square footage of the warehouse network to 1.1 million square feet.

“The new location and the operational efficiencies of the new building put us in a great position to continue to enhance the service we provide to our customers,” said Steve Don, president and CEO of Edward Don & Company. “The expanded warehouse space and 38 external dock doors provide us plenty of room to grow."

“A state-of-the-art order processing system is just one of the high-tech upgrades that will make the DON operation more efficient and ultimately optimize service levels to DON customers,” said  Vice President of Operations Mark Zabloudil.

Zabloudil said the space, growth and modernization of the facility were driving factors in the decision to relocate here. That includes getting more dock space, utilizing 32-foot clear ceilings, increasing energy efficiency and more.

Located at the intersection of Interstates 55 and 355, the new facility provides easy access to the entire region while providing easy highway access to customers throughout the entire Midwest.

It is the first building constructed in Woodridge’s Union Point business park. The facility was built by McShane Construction Company of Rosemont, Illinois. It includes many sustainable features such as T-5 motion-activated lighting and the latest environmental control technology. The building also has an ESFR sprinkler system, and two drive-in doors.

With the move, the Woodridge area gains about 400 new jobs. Area businesses are already receiving a boost as local restaurants and shops are being utilized by employees and visitors.

Founded in 1921, the family-owned company offers unmatched product selection, nationwide distribution centers, and integration of new technology serving the foodservice, hospitality, and healthcare industries. DON serves more than 35,000 customers throughout the world, and employs over 1,000 people nationwide.